Ethics of #InnoTourUSA contest ?
Update (Jan 12th 2012 15:10): EYIF has updated the website thanks to this page and the friendly retweets we received (Thanks!). It is now clear that only 7 people have been chosen from the "over 200 applications" received and not 10 as we initially understood. 3 people from EYIF will accompany.
I join Tim in his request to receive more details in full transparency on the selection procedure as we all, as participants, spent time, energy and sometimes money for shooting a 3 minute video and writing an essay
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"EYIF is a non-profit, pan-European platform that was launched at the European Parliament on 12 July 2010 at a joint European Commission, European Parliament and Council of Europe event by
Herbert REUL MEP (EPP), Chairman of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee and
Damien ABAD MEP (EPP), Chairman of the Youth Intergroup from the European Parliament
Ms. Neelie KROES, European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Digital Agenda
Mr. Vincent Van QUICKENBORNE, Minister for Economy for Belgium and Belgian Presidency of the European Council Representative"
"Rising to the challenge, the European Young Innovators Forum (EYIF) with the support U.S. Department of State is organizing a unique Innovation Tour of the USA. From 12-22 February 2012, a delegation of ten European young innovators will embark on a ten-day mission to the United States. Starting from Washington DC, they will visit major American hubs of innovation like Boston and Silicon Valley, interact face-to-face with top innovation practitioners and experts, experiencing first-hand best, practices of turning innovative ideas into successful projects and businesses."
The problem is that one of the winners, Arno Geens, seems to be co-founder and Director of Digital Platforms of this non-profit. See the list of winners and the LinkedIn profile of this individual.
Additionally, another person working for EYIF (Paula Neto, see LinkedIn profile) is on the reserve list.
My question is: Is this ethical?
What about other people selected? Do we have to go and check each of them to see if they are related to the European Young Innovators Forum company?
Fabian Tilmant