Frequently asked questions
The Innovation Futures Initiative (IFI) is the innovation hub of Universidad de San Andrés. It works with corporations, governments, industry associations, and organizations to address complex challenges through applied research, innovation methodologies, and capability building.
The IFI works on complex challenges with economic, social, institutional, or sector-level impact, especially when they require collaboration across actors, applied research, and rigorous methodologies to become implementable solutions.
It means we integrate knowledge, methods, and capabilities from different disciplines. We do not work from a single specialization and, in many cases, not with a single actor either when addressing complex challenges.
The IFI is an initiative of Universidad de San Andrés and operates within its institutional structure. It is not an independent company or consulting firm.
A consulting firm diagnoses and recommends. The IFI co-creates and executes alongside the organization. We build capabilities, apply methodologies, and develop solutions in real-world contexts, bringing PhD-level researchers and direct access to UdeSA’s academic ecosystem.
Accelerators typically work with startups. The IFI works with all types of organizations, startups and established ones, that need innovation capabilities or tackle complex challenges. We don't do venture capital, provide funding, or take equity.
A typical research center generates academic knowledge or applied research within a given discipline. The IFI focuses on applied research in real-world contexts, working with organizations facing complex challenges that require a transdisciplinary approach.
Yes. Given the scope and resources involved, all programs are fee-based engagements.
Yes. The areas of work shown on this website outline our core offering, but we design specific or combined collaborations depending on partner and the challenge.
Our methods are adapted to each challenge. We work in person, remotely, or in a hybrid format, depending on the project type, location, and the organization’s needs.
Innovation de-risking is both a mindset and a continuous practice of identifying and addressing avoidable errors that lead to innovation project failures.
It refers to the process of developing, mobilizing, and strengthening skills, capabilities, and applied knowledge so teams can adapt and solve problems in a sustainable way. This involves shifting mindsets, applying new tools, and engaging with real challenges beyond traditional training.
Yes. Applied research projects can generate shared intellectual property between the university and sponsoring organizations. This is defined case-by-case at the outset of each project.
Yes. We collaborate with organizations across Latin America and beyond, adapting our approach to each context and its specific needs.
Innovation may involve technology, as well as processes, operating models, services, institutional coordination, organizational capabilities, and new approaches to problem-solving beyond technology-based solutions.
Yes. We work on corporate, public, institutional, and social challenges, as long as there is a real opportunity to develop a more robust solution.
Yes, typically as part of a larger initiative, such as a consortium or an ecosystem development project.
We seek partners who can contribute tools, platforms, applied knowledge, or experimentation capabilities to innovation projects.
Seek to collaborate with universities, labs, research centers, and academic networks as a core part of our approach.
We seek to work with multilateral organizations, foundations, industry associations, event organizers, and other institutions that can help expand the scale, coordination, and impact of innovation efforts that address complex challenges.
Yes. Our team is available speaking engagements to share our approach to innovation.
On first reference, use Innovation Futures Initiative (IFI). After that, use IFI. In institutional or journalistic texts, we recommend stating that it is the innovation hub at Universidad de San Andrés and that it works through a transdisciplinary approach.
The Innovation Futures Initiative (IFI) is the innovation hub at Universidad de San Andrés. It works through a transdisciplinary approach to address complex challenges through applied research, innovation methodologies, capability building, ecosystem development, and innovation de-risking.
No. IFI operates within Universidad de San Andrés. It co-creates solutions with organizations, builds capabilities, develops applied research, and works on real-world challenges, but it is not an independent consulting firm.
The spokespeople are Vanesa Kolodziej and Carlos Osorio. Depending on the topic, other researchers, professors, or partners from the UdeSA ecosystem may participate.
IFI can provide perspective on innovation de-risking, applied innovation, complex challenges, innovation methodologies, applied research, capability building, ecosystem development, public innovation, corporate innovation, and Latin America’s innovation gap.
Yes. IFI team can participate in interviews, podcasts, conferences, institutional events, and expert conversations when the topic is aligned with IFI’s agenda.
