-

Innovation Meets Regulation: International Webinar Explored Effective Anti-Smoking Strategies

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--We Are Innovation hosted the webinar “Innovation Meets Regulation: The 2024 Effective Anti-Smoking Policies Global Index.” This powerful talk embarked on the official start of the campaign dedicated to the launch of the anti-smoking index. The webinar, featuring Members of the European Parliament, regulatory experts, economists, and innovation experts, shed light on the regulatory frameworks regarding anti-smoking policies from the most prominent global authorities in the field.

Federico N. Fernández stated, “At We Are Innovation, we work on issues that require innovative approaches and solutions. One area we recognize as having significant potential for improvement is in innovative nicotine products. Our index encompasses a global population of 5.5 billion individuals, giving the ability to see the differences in global anti-smoking policies and windows for improvement.”

Eric Crampton added, “By showcasing the effectiveness of alternative products, the Index provides a new perspective on addressing smoking-related issues. Moving beyond punishing policies, we can advocate for better regulations that offer innovative solutions to combat smoking habits and promote healthier choices across the globe.”

Guy Bentley covered the situation in the US, “Safer e-cigarettes are seen as far more dangerous than regular cigarettes, even in comparison to the state of affairs 10 years ago which is a significant failure. Now we see the consequences of the informational blockage equal to the so-called ‘invisible graveyard’ — while the safer alternative can come to the market, the delay in the decision-making on the side of the officials that prevents, will lead to the deaths of people who could have been saved if the alternative was available.

MEP Johan Nissinen adds on Swedish policies, “With the new government, in Sweden we introduced higher taxes on cigarettes and lower on snus. The new regulations will come in November of this year. Currently, in Sweden the number of smokers is 5,6 percent while in the EU the average rate is ~23 percent.”

Matt Ridley gave a thought on the UK regulations, “I do not smoke myself, nor I vape, but as a person who is interested in innovations, I see the superior innovative product replacing inferior one which comes together with saving a large amount of lives. When considering the risks associated with vaping, it becomes evident that it offers a significantly smaller risk in terms of carcinogens and is a safer alternative. Government’s policy on vaping has led to the opening of the vaping industry in Britain, catering to a large market of individuals seeking to quit smoking.”

“Innovative nicotine products should be accompanied by smart regulations that balance out public health interests and individual freedoms. By embracing a forward-thinking approach, we can effectively address the problem of smoking,” summed up Tetiana Rak.

Learn more about the 2024 Effective Anti-Smoking Policies Global Index at https://antismoking.global/. The recording of the webinar is available at https://youtu.be/qAYcPAq6rh4.

ABOUT WE ARE INNOVATION

We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who fervently believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With a global presence encompassing over 40 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, embracing new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are spearheading transformative change on a global scale. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/.

Contacts

More News From We Are Innovation

Game-Changing Innovation: Sweden Near Smoke-Free Status

STOCKHOLM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a spectacular achievement for public health, Sweden has announced reaching near smoke-free status with smoking prevalence dropping to just 5.3 percent across the general population. Even more remarkable is the 4.5 percent rate among citizens who have experienced Swedish policies throughout their lives, significantly outpacing European Union targets. A new report by We Are Innovation reveals the keys to Sweden's success: a unique “Triple-A” approach combining Acces...

Report Underlines the Importance of Innovation Towards a Smoke-Free EU

LISBON, Portugal--(BUSINESS WIRE)--We Are Innovation (WAI) published a Briefing Paper titled “The EU’s Smoke-Free Future and the Role of Innovation — Findings from the Special Eurobarometer 539.” The paper explores how the EU is far from achieving a smoke-free status unless its strategies against smoking are revised. The Eurobarometer’s findings showed that 24% of Europeans still smoke, placing the EU significantly behind its goal of becoming “smoke-free” by 2040. Global public health experts d...

New Poll Shows Three Quarters of Smokers Believe Vaping Misinformation

PRAGUE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The global network We Are Innovation has today published the results of a poll showing a staggering three-quarters of smokers wrongly believe vaping is just as harmful as smoking. Recent research conducted by Ipsos reveals that 74 percent of smokers worldwide believe that vaping is at least as harmful as smoking. This alarming Misperception Epidemic perpetuates a cycle of preventable illness and death, as individuals are deterred from switching to safer alternatives. Th...
Back to Newsroom