ULALABS explores the role of living labs for urban sustainability innovation

The Erasmus+ ULALABS project, led by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in collaboration with Linköping University, University of Stavanger and University of Twente, aims to create a theoretical and practical framework for distributed living laboratories to address urban challenges and mitigate climate change. Running until the end of 2026 under the Erasmus+ programme, ULALABS will establish a network of open innovation labs across four European universities that are members of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU). This initiative aims to promote transformative innovation policies through collaborative learning communities and shared agendas.

The project will pilot solutions to social, urban and environmental challenges, involving students, researchers, professionals, businesses, public administrations and citizens. UAB is participating through its UAB Open Labs, involving research staff in circular economy and sustainability issues, together with regional actors such as the Vallès Labs network of the B30 hub. The project will also produce a catalogue of innovative practices for urban innovation labs, methodological guidelines for distributed learning communities and a sustainable learning community to complement the open innovation labs.

As part of the meeting in Linköping (Sweden), the ULALABS partners held a future visioning workshop on 16 September, led by the DesignLab of the University of Twente. This workshop used responsible futures methodologies and creative exercises to jointly envision a common future for the distributed laboratory. The discussion focused on the principles and premises that should underpin the future Distributed Living Lab across various regions. Particular emphasis was placed on inclusivity and equity, as well as the importance of physical connections and face-to-face interactions.

On Tuesday 17 September, as part of the Future Now Forum, ULALABS organised a session entitled "Exploring the Role of Living Labs for Urban Sustainability Innovation", in which various initiatives were presented: the Hub b30 innovation ecosystem in Catalonia; the experience of the city of Enschede and the region of Twente in the Netherlands with the Textile Lab and ChallengeLab Twente Circular; Nordic Edge, Norway's innovation clusters for smart city technology and agritech, and the innovation centre 'Innoasis'; and the experience of Ebbepark, new central city district in Linköping, built and living environment where new ideas and solutions from both business and academia are tested, verified, and potentially brought to market to promote social and environmental sustainability.