Tag: We Are Innovation

EU Urged to Adjust Regulatory Framework

Unless the EU changes its strategies, the trading bloc is unlikely to achieve “smoke-free status by the target date,” according to a briefing published by We Are Innovation (WAI).
Titled “The EU’s Smoke-Free Future and the Role of Innovation—Findings from the Special Eurobarometer 539,” the paper notes that 24 percent of Europeans still smoke, placing the EU significantly behind its goal of becoming “smoke-free” by 2040. Global public health experts define a country as “smoke-free” when its smoking prevalence is 5 percent or less. The slow rate of smoking decline suggests that this scenario may not be reached until 2100—60 years after the target date.
According to the authors of the paper, countries that enable smokers to move and stay away from cigarettes through progressive regulatory frameworks for alternative products are witnessing more significant decreases in their smoking rates. This is the case of Sweden, where smoking rates have been in freefall since 2006, and Czechia and Greece more recently. On the other hand, countries that do not endorse the role of innovation, like Estonia, have seen the opposite trend.
The paper’s findings are consistent with research conducted outside the EU. The decline of smoking rates in the U.K., Switzerland, the U.S., New Zealand and Japan are linked to an uptake of vaping and tobacco-heating products, among others, according to its authors.
WAI’s analysis suggests that innovative products act as an “off-ramp” to quit smoking rather than an “on-ramp” for nonsmokers to start using nicotine.
The authors note that a smart regulatory environment for alternative products may have further benefits, like stimulating economic growth through enhancing entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation. It can also help reduce health disparities, as lower income groups tend to smoke more.
The briefing paper suggests that the EU’s path toward a smoke-free future should include a reassessment of the current policies and a combination of traditional measures and programs with innovative alternatives to smoking. Prioritizing the accessibility, acceptability and affordability of diverse options to help with cessation can be the key.
October 9, 2024
Smokers Confused About Relative Risk

Photo: auremar
Many smokers fail to understand the comparative risks presented by vapes and traditional cigarettes, according to a new Ipsos survey among 27,000 smokers in 28 countries carried out on behalf of We Are Innovation.
Currently, 74 percent of smokers worldwide mistakenly believe that vaping is either as harmful or more harmful than smoking combustible cigarettes. This misinformation challenges public health messaging about vaping as a safer alternative to traditional smoking methods.
The survey identified countries including Brazil, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Kazakhstan as having the highest proportion of smokers (over 80 percent) incorrectly perceiving vaping as equally or more harmful than smoking tobacco. On the other hand, countries such as Italy, the Czech Republic, France and the United Kingdom exhibited a more accurate understanding, although even in these nations, over half of smokers still hold false beliefs regarding the risks of vaping versus smoking.
“The consequences are grave,” said We Are Innovation CEO Federico N. Fernandez in a statement. “If smokers are under the incorrect assumption that vaping is no better than smoking, they are far less likely to explore potentially lifesaving products as a means to quit harmful combustibles. Misinformation is stifling innovation and obstructing smokers’ ability to escape the clutches of cigarettes.”
May 8, 2024
WAI Releases Anti-Smoking Policies Index

Photo: carlosseller
We Are Innovation (WAI) released the 2024 Effective Anti-Smoking Policies Global Index. The index assesses around 5.5 billion people, nearly 70 percent of the world’s estimated 8 billion population. It offers an analysis of the public policies to eradicate smoking in 69 countries across four regions. Evaluating a range of 11 categories, the index delves into the intricacies of innovative noncombusted nicotine products, scrutinizing aspects such as regulatory frameworks, prohibitions, taxation and governmental measures for switching from traditional smoking.
The 2024 Effective Anti-Smoking Policies Global Index includes 11 new countries. The newcomers are China, Finland, India, Norway, Qatar, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Vietnam.
The top 20 countries in the global anti-smoking index, including the U.K., Sweden, Slovakia, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Lebanon, Greece, the U.S., Spain, New Zealand, Romania, Italy, France, Canada, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Croatia and Austria, collectively impact almost 1 billion people worldwide. European nations dominate the list, with 15 out of the 20 spots occupied by countries from this region. However, non-European nations like the U.S., Lebanon, New Zealand, Canada and Saudi Arabia also make significant strides in terms of regulations.
The index emphasizes the urgent need for global advancements in anti-smoking policies as the majority of the world’s population resides in countries where such policies still need improvement, according to WAI.
“With over 8 million lives lost annually to smoking-related diseases, the need for effective anti-smoking measures is more urgent than ever,” said WAI CEO Federico N. Fernandez in a statement.
“Nations like Sweden and New Zealand are leading the way by embracing innovative nicotine products in the fight against combustible tobacco. Their public policies allowing alternatives have yielded remarkable results, with smoking rates around 5 percent—nearly smoke-free. This success highlights the vital role innovation must play in consigning smoking to history. Policymakers worldwide must follow the example set by these countries, fully harnessing safer products to uproot smoking’s devastating toll on global health.”
April 3, 2024
Snus Documentary to Screen in Spain

Image: fergregory
Somos Innovacion announced the avant-premiere of the documentary How Sweden Stopped Smoking by award-winning Polish director Tomasz Agencki. The screening will take place on Feb. 27 at Espacio Balboa in Madrid and will include a panel discussion with leading experts in health and activism.
This documentary delves into the story of how Sweden became a smoke-free nation. Through interviews with scientists, doctors, innovators and artists, Agencki spins a tale that examines the complex interplay of science, politics, history and personal will behind this “Swedish miracle.”
“We are excited to share this inspiring story about the courage and creativity that made a healthier future possible for Swedes,” says Federico N. Fernandez, CEO of Somos Innovacion, in a statement. “We believe the lessons from Sweden’s journey can guide other nations to achieve the same progress.”
Following the screening, a panel of experts composed of Fernando Fernandez Bueno, oncologic surgeon and prominent anti-smoking opinion leader; Josep Maria Ramon Torrell, head of the Tobacco Treatment Unit at Bellvitge Hospital and professor of medicine; Julio Ruades, popular YouTuber and spokesperson for the Spanish Association of Personal Vaporizer Users; Federico N. Fernandez, CEO of Somos Innovacion; and moderated by Carmen Escrig, coordinator of the Spanish Medical Platform for Tobacco Harm Reduction will share unique perspectives and discuss key lessons that inspire other nations to follow Sweden’s example in the fight against smoking.
Space is limited. Reserve free tickets on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/SueciaLibreDeHumo. This avant-premiere is in-person only; it will not be streamed.
February 14, 2024
Screening ‘Snus Movie’ Opens Dialogue

Image: Mr. Music
On Nov. 15, 2023, We Are Innovation hosted the avant-premiere of the documentary How Sweden Quit Smoking at the Royal Society of Arts House in London. In addition to the screening of the documentary, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy an expert panel dialogue, dinner and networking with public health experts, advocates, activists and think-tankers from all over the world.
Directed by the Polish filmmaker Tomasz Agencki, How Sweden Quit Smoking delves deep into Sweden’s journey toward becoming a smoke-free country. The documentary shines a light on the personal determination, innovation and human creativity that propelled the Swedish people to achieve a milestone unmatched in contemporary times. This film combines the perspectives of scholars, medical doctors, innovators and activists, presenting a diverse range of voices that echo the expressions of artists. Through compelling storytelling, How Sweden Quit Smoking unveils the intricate interplay of science, politics, history and personal responsibility at the heart of this transformative journey.
“We are incredibly thrilled to bring this important documentary to a wide audience,” said We Are Innovation’s CEO, Federico Fernandez, in a statement. “Sweden’s smoke-free journey beautifully embodies innovation that solves problems and benefits society. By providing smokers safer alternatives, their model is making smoking obsolete and freeing human potential previously hindered by tobacco-related disease and death. We hope the Swedish experience catalyzes similar lifesaving innovations worldwide.”
Agencki said, “This film gives deserved recognition to the unsung heroes—the unrecognized innovators who take action to make our world healthier. Sweden’s remarkable smoke-free transformation was driven by cooperative creativity, personal initiative and a shared spirit of progress. My hope is that this film will inspire viewers to create positive change in their own communities.”
More than 100 international stakeholders met at the Royal Society of Arts. One of the highlights of the evening was an engaging panel discussion featuring experts such as Suely Castro from Knowledge Action Change, Martin Cullip from the Taxpayers Protection Alliance Consumer Center and Delon Human from Health Diplomats. The conversation was moderated by Federico N. Fernandez.
November 17, 2023
Documentary Celebrates ‘Swedish Miracle’
We Are Innovation (WAI), an activist group, will pre-screen the documentary How Sweden Quit Smoking to a select audience on Nov. 15, 2023, at RSA House in London.
Directed by award-winning Polish filmmaker Tomasz Agencki, the documentary explores how Sweden managed to reduce smoking to levels unrivaled in the European Union and elsewhere.
According to its makers, How Sweden Quit Smoking highlights the determination, innovation and creativity that drove the Swedes toward a milestone unparalleled in contemporary times. The documentary features the perspectives of scholars, doctors, innovators and activists while demonstrating the interplay of science, politics, history and personal responsibility at the center of this journey.
“We are incredibly thrilled to bring this important documentary to the broad audience,” said WAI CEO Federico Fernandez in a statement. “How Sweden Quit Smoking will inspire stakeholders, decision-makers, activists and the general public to pursue innovation and creativity toward a better future for all. This event is a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in leveraging effective innovation methodologies to help transform the world’s most pressing problems.”
“The goal of this documentary is to generate a positive impact on society,” said Agencki. “Through the journey of Sweden toward becoming a smoke-free nation, I hope to inspire people worldwide to embrace innovation, personal responsibility and to work toward a better society.”
Registration is available through Eventbrite.
November 6, 2023