WorkerTech Argentina-Enabling Environments for the Gig Economy

Problem Statement:

The rapid growth of the gig economy presents both opportunities and challenges. While it offers quick access to jobs and income, it also poses significant hurdles in terms of social protection, professional development, and organizing workers' demands. Gig workers often lack access to essential benefits, protections, and rights, making them vulnerable to exploitation and financial instability.

Scale of the Problem:

Globally, the gig economy is expanding at an unprecedented rate. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 50% of the global workforce will be involved in freelance or gig work. In communities we aim to serve, this shift is particularly impactful, with a large portion of the workforce engaging in gig work due to limited traditional employment opportunities.

Factors Contributing to the Problem:

1. Lack of Social Protection: Gig workers often do not have access to social security, health insurance, or other essential benefits.

2. Limited Professional Development: The transient nature of gig work can hinder long-term career growth and development.

3. Rights and Protections: Many gig workers are classified as independent contractors, depriving them of basic labor rights and protections.

How WorkerTech Addresses the Problem:

WorkerTech is focused on building robust ecosystems and evidence-based regulations to support and empower workers in the gig economy.

1. Innovation Fund: We establish a fund to support pilot services that aim to enhance benefits and protections available to gig workers, including financial services, training programs for upskilling and reskilling, productivity tools, and collaborative spaces for networking and partnership.

2. Knowledge Management: We conduct research to generate insights, document the impact of digital platforms on the income growth of vulnerable individuals, and use empirical evidence to support the formulation of public policies to improve the quality of gig jobs and WorkerTech services.

3. Dialogues and Collaboration: We organize federal-level meetings throughout the project to understand the interests, demands, and challenges of WorkerTech startups, governments, multilateral organizations, worker collectives, companies, researchers, and civil society organizations. The goal is to support initiatives that enhance the quality of digital jobs.

4. Training Programs: We offer training in digital skills for individuals looking to enhance their entrepreneurial ventures through technology and for those seeking to expand their job prospects in the digital economy.

5. Research Collaboration: In partnership with academic institutions, we investigate the impact of the gig economy on workers' quality of life and the economy.

By addressing these key areas, WorkerTech aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for gig workers, ensuring they have access to the resources, protections, and opportunities they need to thrive in the digital economy.

WorkerTech Argentina is a pioneering initiative that aims to revolutionize the landscape of the gig economy in Argentina. Through our collaboration with CEPE at UTDT (Universidad Torcuato Di Tella), we are harnessing the expertise of CEPE Di Tella in evidence-based policymaking and rigorous research methodologies to address the complex challenges faced by digital platform workers.

CEPE Di Tella, based at the School of Government at Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, specializes in conducting applied research to improve the quality of public policies through evidence-based initiatives and rigorous evaluation methods. Since its founding in 2017, CEPE Di Tella and its affiliated researchers have led and participated in numerous research projects funded by international organizations such as The World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Labor Organization, and UNICEF. Additionally, CEPE Di Tella has collaborated with prestigious international research institutions such as The Center for International Development at Harvard University.

Our partnership with CEPE Di Tella allows us to conduct cutting-edge research on platform jobs, the gig economy, and the future of work. Together, we are delving deep into understanding the impact of gig economy platforms on labor trajectories and labor markets. We are evaluating training and upskilling pilots and gender interventions to assess their economic outcomes and their impact on the well-being of platform workers.

At WorkerTech Argentina, we believe in building robust ecosystems and evidence-based regulations to support and empower gig workers. Our collaboration with CEPE Di Tella enriches our research efforts and enhances our ability to produce high-quality evidence that informs policymaking and program design. By leveraging CEPE Di Tella's interdisciplinary network of researchers educated at top world programs, we are able to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policymaking, ensuring that our solutions are grounded in rigorous evidence and real-world experience.

WorkerTech Argentina operates through various initiatives and programs aimed at empowering gig workers and improving the quality of digital jobs. Our Innovation Fund supports pilot services that enhance benefits and protections for gig workers, including financial services, training programs, and collaborative spaces for networking and partnership. We offer comprehensive training programs in digital skills, ensuring that workers have the tools they need to succeed in the digital economy. Our dialogues and collaborations bring together stakeholders from across the gig economy to foster innovation, knowledge-sharing, and partnership.

Together, with CEPE Di Tella's invaluable contribution, WorkerTech Argentina is leading the way in shaping the future of work in Argentina and beyond. We are committed to building a more equitable and empowering digital economy where every gig worker has access to the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Join us in this important mission and be part of the movement for positive change in the gig economy.

WorkerTech Argentina is dedicated to serving the diverse population of digital platform workers in Argentina, with a mission to directly and significantly enhance their lives by addressing the multifaceted challenges they encounter in terms of livelihoods, working conditions, and opportunities for upskilling.

The target demographic encompasses individuals engaged in various forms of work facilitated by digital platforms, spanning ride-hailing, food delivery, freelance services, and online marketplaces. These workers frequently contend with precarious working conditions, including inadequate wages, job insecurity, limited access to benefits, and insufficient social protection. Moreover, many platform workers lack access to training and opportunities for professional development, impeding their ability to thrive in an increasingly digitalized economy.

We aim at supporting and empowering these workers to improve their livelihoods and working conditions. Our solution addresses their needs through several pivotal avenues:

1. Enhanced Benefits and Protections: WorkerTech Argentina utilizes its Innovation Fund to bolster pilot services aimed at augmenting benefits and protections for platform workers. These initiatives encompass access to critical services such as financial facilities, healthcare benefits, insurance coverage, and legal aid. 

2. Upskilling and Reskilling: Recognizing the significance of continuous learning, WorkerTech Argentina offers comprehensive training programs in digital skills, encompassing courses on programming, digital marketing, data analysis, and entrepreneurship. These programs are meticulously crafted to equip platform workers with the requisite skills to adapt to the evolving demands of the digital economy and augment their employability. Through investments in upskilling and reskilling endeavors, we empower workers to access higher-paying opportunities and enhance their long-term prospects.

3. Improved Working Conditions: WorkerTech Argentina fervently advocates for evidence-based policies and regulations designed to ameliorate the quality of digital jobs and ensure equitable working conditions for platform workers. Through concerted research and policy advocacy efforts, our aim is to address pertinent issues such as minimum wage standards, working hours, safety regulations, and access to collective bargaining rights. By championing policies that prioritize the rights and well-being of platform workers, we aspire to forge a more equitable and inclusive gig economy.

4. Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: WorkerTech Argentina serves as a conduit for dialogues and collaborations among stakeholders across the gig economy ecosystem, encompassing workers, startups, governments, multilateral organizations, researchers, and civil society entities. These engagements foster opportunities for knowledge dissemination, networking, and partnership, catalyzing innovation and collective action to confront the challenges confronting platform workers.

Also, we extend our support to startups addressing market failures and deficiencies in services tailored to the needs of platform workers. These startups play a pivotal role in bridging gaps in the gig economy ecosystem and devising innovative solutions to enhance the lives of platform workers. By supporting these startups through our Innovation Fund, we facilitate the development and scaling of impactful initiatives aimed at fortifying benefits and protections for platform workers. Additionally, we foster collaborations between startups, governments, multilateral organizations, and other stakeholders to amplify the reach and impact of innovative solutions, creating an enabling ecosystem that enables startups to flourish and address the intricate challenges encountered by platform workers comprehensively.

Our team at WorkerTech Argentina stands at the forefront of driving positive change in the gig economy, empowered by our diverse backgrounds, expertise, and unwavering commitment to serving the communities we represent. Led by Gastón Wright, a seasoned expert in digital transformation and public affairs, our team brings together a wealth of experience in technology, social impact, and public policy. Gastón's extensive tenure at Facebook and his leadership roles in organizations such as Change.org and Ashoka equip him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by platform workers and a strong commitment to driving meaningful change in the digital economy.

Cecilia Galvan, with her background as a political advisor and experience in legislative research and policy analysis, brings a deep understanding of the policymaking process and a passion for advocating for worker rights. Her work in the Cámara de Representantes del Congreso Nacional and her research on public policies position her as a valuable asset in shaping evidence-based solutions to support platform workers.

Marco Di Natale, a political scientist specializing in electoral institutions and fiscal federalism, enhances our team with his expertise in evaluation and monitoring of projects. His experience in government roles and collaboration with multilateral organizations underscore his ability to assess the impact of policies and drive effective interventions.

Moreover, our collaboration with CEPE at UTDT further strengthens our team's capabilities and deepens our connection to the communities we serve. With researchers and experts such as Gastón Gerntner, Mercedes Werner, and others, CEPE brings invaluable insights and research expertise to inform our solution design and implementation.

Gastón Gerntner, a Professor at Universidad Di Tella and Director of CEPE, brings a wealth of experience in impact evaluation and effective development. His previous roles as a consultant at the Inter-American Development Bank and his expertise in evaluating social development programs make him instrumental in ensuring the effectiveness of our initiatives.

Mercedes Werner, an education and technology expert, brings a unique perspective to our team with her passion for addressing the skills mismatch through digital solutions. Her experience in the field of vocational education and training (TVET) and her innovative approach to tackling the challenges of the future of work complement our efforts to empower platform workers through upskilling and reskilling programs.

Together, our team is representative of the communities we serve, with a deep understanding of their needs and challenges. We are committed to centering the voices and experiences of platform workers in the design and implementation of our solution, ensuring that it is meaningful, relevant, and responsive to their needs. By leveraging our collective expertise and collaborative approach, we are well-positioned to deliver impactful outcomes for platform workers in Argentina and create a more equitable and inclusive gig economy for all.

Our impactful initiatives have made significant strides in addressing the challenges faced by platform workers in Argentina.

Our partnerships in 2023 brought together 45 institutions and 97 participants across academia, civil society, government, and platform companies, fostering dialogue and collaboration through 14 Multistakeholder Dialogues. These discussions covered a range of topics, including regulations, working modalities, and rights coverage, ensuring diverse perspectives were heard and informing concrete actions.

WorkerTech's training programs have empowered over 6,500 individuals, with a focus on digital skills and programming. We've consolidated expertise in three key areas: tracking legislative projects, characterizing platform work, and classifying workertech service companies, providing valuable insights into the gig economy landscape.

Through our Innovation Fund, we've supported 13 WorkerTech solutions via three Innovation Contests, catalyzing innovation and driving positive change for platform workers. These solutions aim to enhance protection, formalization, and empowerment in platform work, addressing critical gaps in the gig economy.

Our Knowledge Management initiatives have yielded valuable insights. We've tracked 18 legislative projects, with a notable trend towards special regulatory regimes since 2019. Additionally, our research on digital delivery platforms revealed that over 66,000 people monthly engage in income-generating activities, with full-time delivery workers comprising around 10% of the total.

WorkerTech Argentina also provides comprehensive insights into workertech service companies, with a concentration in Buenos Aires and Córdoba. Our research indicates that platform workers earn incomes surpassing those in the informal sector, highlighting the economic significance of gig work.

In collaboration with CEPE at UTDT, our initiatives have garnered substantial support. With 40 participating institutions and 32 startups, our Innovation Fund received 77 proposals, resulting in 13 winning solutions and USD 440,000 in prize money distributed, as well as AWS credits. These startups offer innovative solutions for platform workers, addressing critical needs in the gig economy.

Looking ahead to 2024, WorkerTech Argentina remains committed to driving positive change. Our goals include finalizing reports on platform work characterization, workertech startup analysis, and legislative project tracking. We aim to host four Multistakeholder Dialogues, engage 2,000 participants in training programs, and publish a comprehensive project report.

We are applying to Solve because we recognize the value of collaboration and partnership in scaling our impact. As we expand WorkerTech Argentina to other countries, such as Mexico and Colombia, we face various barriers in terms of financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market aspects. Solve can help us overcome these barriers by connecting us with partners who can provide support in areas such as market research, legal compliance, cultural adaptation, and funding opportunities.

Our goal is not solely to raise funds, but rather to leverage Solve's network and resources to build a regional agenda aimed at improving the conditions of platform workers across Latin America. By participating in Solve, we hope to gain insights, guidance, and connections that will enable us to effectively scale our initiative, modelize it for transfer to other countries, and create a sustainable impact on a regional level.

WorkerTech Argentina is innovative in several ways:

1. Holistic Approach: Our solution takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by platform workers. By combining initiatives such as the Innovation Fund, training programs, research collaborations, and dialogues among stakeholders, we provide a multifaceted support system that tackles various aspects of the gig economy.

2. Collaboration and Partnership: WorkerTech Argentina fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including platform workers, startups, governments, multilateral organizations, researchers, and civil society organizations. By bringing these stakeholders together, we create a collaborative ecosystem that promotes knowledge sharing, innovation, and collective action to improve the conditions of platform workers.

3. Data-Driven Insights: Our solution utilizes data-driven insights to inform policy advocacy and decision-making. Through research initiatives and collaborations with academic institutions such as CEPE Di Tella, we gather valuable data on the gig economy's impact and use this information to advocate for evidence-based policies and regulations that benefit platform workers.

4. Empowerment and Upskilling: WorkerTech Argentina empowers platform workers by providing them with essential benefits, protections, and opportunities for professional development. Through training programs in digital skills and entrepreneurship, we equip workers with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy and access higher-paying opportunities.

5. Scalability and Transferability: As we expand WorkerTech Argentina to other countries such as Mexico and Colombia, we aim to modelize our initiative for transfer and build a regional agenda to improve the conditions of platform workers across Latin America. By scaling our solution and collaborating with partners in other countries, we can catalyze broader positive impacts and drive systemic change in the gig economy landscape.

Overall, WorkerTech Argentina's innovative approach has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts by empowering platform workers, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, advocating for evidence-based policies, and driving systemic change in the gig economy landscape.

WorkerTech Argentina expects to have a significant impact on the challenges faced by platform workers through a clear theory of change:

Activities:

1. Innovation Fund: Providing financial support for pilot services to enhance benefits and protections for platform workers.
2. Training Programs: Offering digital skills training to improve employability and professional development opportunities.
3. Research Collaborations: Conducting studies to generate insights and inform evidence-based policies.
4. Dialogues and Collaborations: Facilitating discussions among stakeholders to understand needs and drive collective action.

Outputs:

1. Enhanced Benefits and Protections: Piloted services provide improved benefits and protections for platform workers.
2. Upskilled Workers: Trained workers acquire digital skills, leading to increased employability and income opportunities.
3. Evidence-Based Policies: Research findings inform the development of policies that enhance the quality of gig jobs.
4. Collaborative Solutions: Stakeholder dialogues lead to innovative solutions and partnerships to address challenges.

Outcomes:

1. Improved Well-being: Enhanced benefits and protections contribute to better livelihoods and working conditions for platform workers.
2. Economic Empowerment: Upskilled workers access higher-paying opportunities, leading to increased income and economic stability.
3. Policy Impact: Evidence-based policies result in improved regulations and support systems for platform workers.
4. Collective Action: Collaborative efforts lead to systemic changes in the gig economy landscape, benefiting workers and society as a whole.

Evidence:

1. Third-party research: Existing studies on the gig economy highlight the need for improved protections and opportunities for platform workers.
2. Stakeholder feedback: Insights from platform workers, startups, governments, and other stakeholders inform the design and implementation of initiatives.
3. Process evaluation: Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of activities assess the effectiveness of interventions and inform adjustments as needed.

By implementing these activities and generating tangible outputs, WorkerTech Argentina expects to achieve meaningful outcomes for platform workers, including improved well-being, economic empowerment, policy impact, and collective action to drive systemic change in the gig economy landscape.

Impact Goals:

1. Economic Empowerment: Increase the income and financial stability of platform workers by providing access to higher-paying opportunities and essential benefits.
2. Well-being Improvement: Enhance the overall well-being and working conditions of platform workers, including mental health, job satisfaction, and work-life balance.
3. Policy Influence: Influence the development of evidence-based policies and regulations that prioritize the rights and protections of platform workers.
4. Ecosystem Strengthening: Build a supportive ecosystem for platform workers, fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in the gig economy.

Progress Measurement:

1. Income Increase: Measure the average income growth among platform workers who participate in training programs or pilot services supported by WorkerTech Argentina.
2. Well-being Surveys: Conduct surveys to assess changes in job satisfaction, mental health indicators, and work-life balance among platform workers before and after participating in WorkerTech initiatives.
3. Policy Impact Assessment: Track the adoption of evidence-based policies and regulations influenced by WorkerTech research and advocacy efforts, including the inclusion of worker-centric provisions in legislation.
4. Ecosystem Engagement: Monitor the growth of partnerships, collaborations, and initiatives within the WorkerTech ecosystem, including the number of startups supported, stakeholders engaged, and innovative solutions implemented.

Using these indicators, WorkerTech Argentina will systematically evaluate its progress towards achieving its impact goals and make data-informed decisions to optimize its interventions and maximize its positive effects on platform workers and the gig economy ecosystem.

WorkerTech Argentina leverages social technologies to build enabling environments for platform workers, focusing on creating supportive ecosystems and evidence-based policies rather than relying solely on traditional technological tools like apps or software. Social technologies refer to the application of social science principles and methodologies to address complex social problems.

The core technology behind WorkerTech Argentina involves:

1. Research and Data Analysis: Utilizing social science research methods to gather data, analyze trends, and generate insights into the challenges faced by platform workers. This includes conducting surveys, interviews, and case studies to understand their needs and inform policy recommendations.

2. Policy Advocacy: Applying social and political strategies to advocate for evidence-based policies and regulations that protect the rights and improve the working conditions of platform workers. This involves engaging with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to raise awareness and influence decision-making processes.

3. Collaboration and Networking: Building social networks and partnerships among stakeholders in the gig economy ecosystem, including workers, startups, governments, NGOs, and academic institutions. This fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action to address common challenges and promote innovation.

4. Capacity Building: Using social technologies to provide training, education, and capacity-building programs for platform workers, empowering them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the digital economy effectively.

By harnessing the power of social technologies, WorkerTech Argentina aims to create lasting, systemic change that benefits platform workers and contributes to a more equitable and inclusive gig economy. This approach recognizes the importance of addressing social, economic, and policy factors alongside technological solutions to drive meaningful impact and positive transformation in the lives of platform workers.

WorkerTech Argentina's solution team consists of 6 individuals, including 5 full-time staff members. We also have 5 contractors or other workers who contribute to the project part-time or on a contractual basis.

WorkerTech Argentina has been working on its solution since 2021 and was supported by the IDB Lab.

WorkerTech Argentina is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our team and throughout our initiatives. We recognize the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and effectively addressing the needs of our target population.

Our leadership team comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, including gender, ethnicity, and professional expertise. We prioritize creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and supported.

To ensure diversity and minimize barriers to opportunity, we have implemented several initiatives:

1. Recruitment Practices: We actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds when hiring for new positions within our organization. Our recruitment process includes outreach to underrepresented communities and organizations to attract a wide range of applicants.

2. Training and Development: We provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to all team members, regardless of their background or level within the organization. This includes access to workshops, conferences, and mentorship programs aimed at enhancing skills and advancing careers.

3. Inclusive Policies: We have established policies and practices that promote inclusivity and equality within the workplace. This includes policies against discrimination, harassment, and bias, as well as flexible work arrangements to accommodate diverse needs and lifestyles.

4. Employee Resource Groups: We encourage the formation of employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide support, networking, and advocacy opportunities for individuals with shared backgrounds or experiences. These groups help foster a sense of belonging and community within the organization.

5. Continuous Evaluation and Improvement: We regularly evaluate our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments. This includes collecting feedback from team members through surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one discussions.

WorkerTech Argentina operates on a business model focused on building virtuous ecosystems that provide value to the populations we serve, both in terms of impact and revenue. Our key customers and beneficiaries include gig workers, platform companies, governments, civil society organizations, and academic institutions.

Products and Services:

1. Innovation Fund: We provide funding and support for pilot services aimed at enhancing benefits and protections for gig workers. These services may include financial products, training programs, productivity tools, and collaborative spaces.
2. Knowledge Management: We conduct commissioned research to generate insights and inform the development of evidence-based policies and regulations that improve the quality of gig jobs and WorkerTech services.
3. Dialogues and Collaboration: We organize multistakeholder meetings and dialogues to facilitate knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among stakeholders from across the gig economy ecosystem.
4. Training Programs: We offer digital skills training programs to empower gig workers with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy.
5. Research Collaboration: We partner with academic institutions to conduct research on the impact of the gig economy on workers' quality of life and the economy.

How We Provide These Products and Services: WorkerTech Argentina operates through a combination of partnerships, grants, and revenue-generating activities. We collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, multilateral organizations, civil society organizations, and academic institutions, to implement our programs and initiatives. We also seek funding from philanthropic foundations, corporate sponsors, and other sources to support our activities. We charge a fee for services as well as receive grants for specific projects within the framework.

Why Our Customers and Beneficiaries Want or Need Them: Gig workers benefit from our programs and services by gaining access to essential benefits, protections, and opportunities for professional development. Platform companies benefit from engaging with WorkerTech Argentina by demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices and supporting initiatives that enhance the well-being of their workers. Governments benefit from our research and policy advocacy efforts by gaining insights and recommendations to inform evidence-based policymaking. Civil society organizations benefit from our collaboration by leveraging our platform to amplify their advocacy efforts and promote positive change in the gig economy. Academic institutions benefit from partnering with WorkerTech Argentina by gaining access to real-world data and insights to inform their research and teaching.

WorkerTech Argentina's plan for becoming financially sustainable involves a multi-faceted approach that includes attracting investment, generating revenue through products and services, and securing grants and donations. Our focus is on directing investment towards the gig economy sector and developing reliable data and evidence-based public policy recommendations.

1. Investment: We seek to attract investment from impact investors, venture capital firms, and other financial institutions interested in supporting innovative solutions that improve the well-being of gig workers. By demonstrating the potential for social impact and financial returns, we aim to secure funding to scale our operations and expand our reach.

2. Products and Services: WorkerTech Argentina offers a range of products and services, including training programs, research collaborations, and policy advocacy initiatives. We generate revenue by charging fees for participation in training programs, licensing our research findings to governments and organizations, and offering consulting services to support the development of evidence-based policies and regulations.

3. Grants and Donations: We actively pursue grants and donations from philanthropic foundations, government agencies, and international organizations that are aligned with our mission and objectives. These funds support specific projects, research initiatives, and operational expenses, allowing us to continue our work and advance our impact.

Successes to Date:

• Secured funding from the IDB Lab to support the development and implementation of training programs for gig workers.
• Received a grant from the Inter-American Development Bank to conduct research on the impact of the gig economy on workers' quality of life.
• Established partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and civil society organizations to collaborate on research projects and policy advocacy efforts.
• Generated revenue through the sale of research reports and consulting services to governments and organizations seeking evidence-based solutions to address challenges in the gig economy.
• Attracted investment from impact investors interested in supporting initiatives that promote social and economic inclusion for gig workers.

Overall, our plan for financial sustainability is rooted in diversifying our revenue streams, leveraging partnerships and collaborations, and demonstrating the impact and value of our work to investors, donors, and customers. By continuing to innovate and adapt our approach, we are confident in our ability to achieve long-term financial sustainability while maximizing our social impact in the gig economy sector.