Topl Spotlight #30: Innovation Ecosystems & Social Change With Web3ForGood’s Sam Flanagan
Topl Spotlight showcases innovators and changemakers who are reimagining economic systems through web3 technologies. Today, we’re excited to highlight Sam Flanagan, the co-founder of Web3ForGood. Sam is a communications strategist, writer, and researcher working at the intersection of tech, economic development, and media. She is passionate about connecting mission-driven builders to the new internet and new internet builders to mission-driven organizations.
Can you introduce yourself and talk about your experience in web3?
Sure! I’m Sam, the co-founder and editor of Web3ForGood. We are a media community focused on social impact, bringing together non-profit professionals and tech builders to explore how emerging technologies can positively change the world.
In the realm of web3, I’ve been involved in various projects, covering aspects from community engagement to programming. My journey in this field is a testament to where curiosity can lead you. Initially, I dived into the world of communications, creating impactful narratives. This path led me to explore social media and technology, then to startups, and subsequently to innovation ecosystems. Each step was a natural progression, taking me through economic development, then to blockchain, and ultimately to web3. Now, my work lies at the intersection of these diverse experiences. To me, they represent the foundational elements of what web3 is all about.
What sparked your interest in the intersection of blockchain and impact?
That’s a great question! My journey with blockchain had two distinct beginnings. It all started around 2016, during my grad school years, when I was studying innovation systems and economic development. Having a background in tech and startups, I was already quite active online, especially on Twitter, where I loved following topics like sustainable fashion and fair trade. That’s when I realized that blockchain, a technology I had mostly associated with crypto and Bitcoin, had much more to offer. At first, my interest was more technical and academic.
The technology stayed in the back of my mind, even as I pursued different paths. I continued to follow new projects and use cases in blockchain. However, my interest reignited at the end of 2021, during the height of the big NFT craze. What caught my attention was when Steve McCurry, the famous National Geographic photographer, published efforts to rescue a girl from Afghanistan, the subject of his iconic photograph. In the post, he mentioned that the efforts were partially funded by an NFT project called OnChainMonkey. It was eye-opening to see real funds being raised through NFTs for a social cause, and it made me realize the potential for positive impact. It’s been an exciting journey of discovery ever since!
How do you think blockchain technology is transforming traditional economic systems?
Great question! From an economic development perspective, blockchain could finally help us realize a truly global innovation ecosystem — one that isn’t necessarily bound by geography or industry. An innovation ecosystem that’s inclusive with supercharged connectivity.
Innovation ecosystems are networks comprising actors such as entrepreneurs and universities interconnected for the purpose of idea and resource sharing. A key component of such ecosystems is a culture fostering trust, freedom, and idea exchange. Blockchain touches all these aspects: it facilitates access to capital, connects people globally, and introduces new methods for trust and transparency.
Traditionally, innovation systems were thought to be confined to specific geographies or industries. However, in the digital age, communities, and interactions on platforms like Twitter and Discord are redefining these boundaries. Web3’s transparency, access, and trust enable us to expand innovation systems like never before. This includes not only the Global South but also overlooked regions in the Global North. A robust economic system should integrate everyone’s ideas, voices, and experiences for genuine innovation.
Why does this matter? Well, I believe innovation is the key to solving the world’s biggest problems like climate change, poverty, and more. I’m inspired by Joseph Schumpeter’s concept of creative destruction — the idea that innovation involves dismantling what’s old and ineffective and replacing it with new, more effective solutions. In the world we live in, the old ways often don’t work anymore, and we need to be bold in questioning them. The only way forward is to have a globally inclusive innovation system that enables this kind of transformative change. Web3 and blockchain are integral to this, offering a foundation for a more inclusive, transparent, and connected world where innovation can thrive beyond traditional boundaries and contribute to the greater good.
What has your journey been like with Web3 for Good?
The idea for Web3ForGood came up not long after I rediscovered web3. I’ve always been that person who’s constantly reading articles, scrolling through Twitter, and immersing myself in various topics. Normally, I’d just read these articles, maybe save a few, occasionally retweet something, but that was about it. Then, something changed when I started sharing some articles on LinkedIn. My now co-founder, Abeera, who works at the UN, noticed them. She was really into the web3 space but pointed out that it wasn’t discussed much in her circles. So we thought, “Why not share what we’re learning with each other?” And then it struck us, “Hey, this could actually be useful to others too.” That’s how Web3ForGood got its start.
Since then, we’ve been publishing every single week. It’s almost two years since we began in March, and we’ve put out around 90 editions — only taking a break for two weeks this summer. I’m super proud of our consistency. It’s been an ongoing journey to keep up with what’s happening in the field and to provide a resource for people to access the latest news. Another highlight for me was when we got accepted into the Optimism Retroactive Public Goods Funding Round. We’re a small initiative, and even though we may not raise as much as some of the bigger projects, it was such an affirmation to be recognized as a valuable public good. Knowing that we’ve made a difference for some people is really rewarding.
How have you seen the web3 for good space change over almost two years?
The biggest thing is the semantics used within the industry. Initially, there was a lot of hype, often exaggerating impacts and focusing on substantial gains, sometimes overshadowing the practical aspects of building meaningful projects. This approach often neglected the efforts of those already active in the social impact sector, putting hype and “newness” over substance.
What I’ve noticed, as time has gone by, is a shift towards more thoughtful and accessible vocabulary, especially for those who aren’t deeply immersed in crypto and web3. The conversation is increasingly centered around economic development and the actual technology, moving away from hype and towards tangible impact and transparent measurement. I think this transition, while a little slow, is great. Despite the negative perceptions often portrayed in traditional media, including high-profile court cases, the industry is starting to mature. We’re recognizing the importance of meeting people where they are, leading to a much-needed transformation in how we approach and communicate our work in web3 for good.
What have been some of the favorite web3 for good use cases?
Right now, I’m really excited about impactMarket. In September 2023, they launched a pilot project in Tarma, Peru, collaborating with Ammer Group, the Celo Foundation, and the Peruvian NGO Agape Hands. This project aims to provide Unconditional Basic Income (UBI) and Microcredit to empower the local community. It embodies the approach I admire: engaging directly with the community, understanding their needs, and developing tools alongside them. Through this initiative, people previously disconnected from the global economy can access it using a digital wallet. It’s a fascinating development, and it’s on my radar big time!
What does the regenerative finance space need more of?
The ReFi community could benefit from broadening its horizons. It’s fantastic that we have this strong community vibe; we’ve built great friendships and enjoy catching up at events. However, there’s a bit of a tunnel vision happening, focusing a lot on Ethereum, carbon reforestation, and solarpunk themes. These are crucial, yes, but they’re not the entirety of what regenerative finance encompasses.
For example, not every project or person finds their best fit within the Ethereum ecosystem. That’s why I’m excited about Topl leveraging Bitcoin and other options for different needs and objectives — Algorand, Tezos, Solana, Celo, or others. Each brings unique use cases and community dynamics, and it’s not all about the Ethereum scene and the exciting parties, no matter how much I enjoy those!
We really need to simplify ReFi for those outside our circle, making it approachable and understandable. It’s not just about being in a certain clique but effectively using this technology for good. The enthusiasm in the ReFi world is fantastic, but we must tailor our communication to meet people where they are. Encouraging a broader understanding of ReFi beyond just a few use cases, like carbon offsetting, is key.
We sometimes forget how valuable traditional industries can be. They might not be the most cutting-edge, but their insights and experience are vital. If we can bring together innovative ideas with their proven experience to enrich and expand the scope of regenerative finance.
Curious to learn more about Sam? Follow her on Twitter or find her on LinkedIn. And to explore similar content and stay up to date with Topl, make sure to join our Discord. 🍃
