The theme of this year’s event, “ LIVING LABS FRONTIERS: Driving systemic change through Soci(et)al Engagement, for real impact” explores how Living Labs can drive meaningful societal systemic change through active engagement and collaboration. 

During the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in various interactive and research sessions, workshops, and site visits and explore how Living Labs can serve as platforms for addressing grand societal challenges, discuss about the vital roles of Living Labs in shaping policy-making and governance within innovation ecosystems, examine how Living Labs can become vehicles for fostering inclusive engagement across diverse groups, investigate how Living Labs serve as crucial platforms that help businesses and society adopt and adapt to emerging technologies and delve into the operational aspects of Living Labs, including their tools, services, business models, and impact. 

The conference will delve into the five different tracks that form the core of the event:  

Conference tracks  

• TRACK 1: Living Labs for Grand Societal Challenges  

This track welcomes sessions and papers that delve into how Living Labs can serve as platforms for addressing challenges related to health and well-being, climate change, energy and transport, agriculture, and natural resources. Discussions will focus on the transformative potential of Living Labs, which act as drivers for systemic change. By fostering collaboration and innovation, Living Labs provide an opportunity to co-create, test, and implement innovative solutions. This track will explore the transformative potential of Living Labs in tackling complex societal challenges and promoting sustainable and inclusive development. 

• TRACK 2: Living Labs for Policies, Governance, collaboration and innovation ecosystems 

The track emphasizes the vital roles of Living Labs in shaping policy-making and governance within innovation ecosystems. This track welcomes sessions and papers that delve into how Living Labs facilitate policy experimentation, enabling policymakers to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of new policies in real-world settings. Additionally, it explores how Living Labs contribute to the governance of innovation ecosystems by fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Therefore, this track aims to further discussions on the crucial role of Living Labs in promoting evidence-based, iterative, and collaborative approaches to policy-making and governance within innovation ecosystems. 

• TRACK 3: LLs for Inclusive Soci(et)al Engagement  

Track 3 places emphasis on how Living Labs can become vehicles for fostering inclusive engagement across diverse groups, including those related to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), gender, citizen engagement strategies, and citizen science. The track welcomes sessions and papers that discuss how Living Labs can be designed, implemented, and evaluated to amplify voices that are often marginalized or underrepresented, ensuring that the outcomes of Living Labs initiatives are reflective of society’s broader diversity.  Gender dynamics, in particular, will be a focal point, with discussions on how Living Labs can contribute to breaking down gender barriers in innovation and fostering environments that are inclusive and accessible to all. By nurturing inclusivity in Living Labs, the track aims to promote systemic change, recognizing the transformative potential of these environments in addressing societal challenges in ways that are equitable, diverse, and inclusive. 

• TRACK 4: Living Labs for Business and Emerging Technology 

The conference track titled “Living Labs for Business and Emerging Technology” focuses on how Living Labs serve as crucial platforms that help businesses and society adopt and adapt to emerging technologies. This track welcomes sessions and papers that delve into Living Labs can accelerate the development of new technologies, focusing on strategies to prepare these labs for emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Discussions will also address the concept of Living Labs as Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs) and regulatory sandboxes, allowing for the safe and controlled testing of new technologies in real-world environments. Moreover, the track explores how Living Labs support business and industry, serving as platforms for innovation and collaboration between stakeholders. In addition, the track will also discuss how Living Labs can contribute to the derisking of innovation and the early adoption of emerging technologies by providing a controlled and collaborative environment for testing and validation. 

• TRACK 5: Living Labs Operation, Methods, Tools, and Impact

The conference track titled “Living Labs Operation, Methods, Tools, and Impact” explores the operational aspects of Living Labs, including their tools, services, business models, and the measurement of their impact. This track welcomes sessions and papers that examine how Living Labs are structured and managed, the types of services they provide, the types of tools they use, and the business models they employ. Discussions will also address the harmonization of Living Labs services to ensure that they are compatible and interoperable with other services. Through these discussions, the track aims to provide insights into the operational aspects of Living Labs and their impact on innovation, economic development, and society, positioning along the whole R&I ecosystems value chain. 

What to expect   

The OpenLivingLab Days is a unique event that will feature a diverse array of research sessions, hands-on workshops, and interactive discussions, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to learn about the latest trends and developments in the field of Living Labs. The conference will feature a mixture of learning opportunities, but also exchanges and debates on the relevant topic in the Living Lab community. With presentations from high-level speakers and industry experts, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the latest research findings, methodologies, and innovative solutions.  

The Living Lab experience will be brought to life once again through the three-day conference. One day before the official launch, on 24 September, a Learning Lab day will be held for participants eager to learn more about Living Labs through trainings. On 25 September the OpenLivingLab Days will officially kick off featuring a wide spectrum of panel discussions, research presentations, workshops and topic debates. The last day of the conference, 27 September will give participants an opportunity to join site visits to local innovation spaces.  

 We are dedicated to hosting an environmentally sustainable conference. To achieve this goal, we are implementing various measures. We urge all participants to utilize sustainable modes of transportation when traveling to the conference venue. Additionally, the conference will be conducted in a paperless manner. We will also prioritize minimizing our environmental impact on the local community by sourcing locally produced and vegetarian food options. Furthermore, we are committed to minimizing food waste through collaboration with food banks. 

Co-create the agenda  

 At the forefront of the event will be the hands-on workshops, offering an opportunity for attendees to collaborate and share their ideas in a dynamic, hands-on setting. We encourage participants from a variety of backgrounds to submit workshop proposals. Whether you’re an academic researcher, a business leader, a community organizer, or a government official, your unique perspective and expertise can contribute to the success of the workshops.   

 Networking and social events  

 We strive to create a relaxed atmosphere conducive to networking and socializing, featuring activities like trivia night. Additionally, we will host a social event surrounded by nature, offering participants an immersive experience in Romanian culture. The conference will provide a variety of networking opportunities for attendees to connect and collaborate with professionals from diverse fields. These opportunities are designed to facilitate meaningful connections and collaborations among attendees. Whether attendees want to make new contacts, learn from peers, or simply relax and have fun, there will be something for everyone. From interactive discussions to hands-on workshops, attendees can expect exciting and engaging activities that promote networking and relationship building.  

Exhibition booths   

 The conference will feature a dynamic array of exhibition booths that showcase the latest initiatives in the living lab world. From cutting-edge technologies to innovative solutions, the dedicated exhibition area is the perfect place to discover what living labs have to offer.  

 In addition to offering a platform for organizations to showcase their offerings, the exhibition area will also facilitate networking opportunities for attendees. This space will serve as a valuable venue for establishing new professional connections, fostering potential collaborations, and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the living lab community.  

Day 0 – the Learning Lab   

The Learning Lab Day is a one-day training offered to Living Lab newcomers, and Living Lab enthusiasts in the local ecosystem, allowing them to learn all about the key elements and operations of Living Labs. The Learning Lab Day takes place one day before the OpenLivingLab Days on 24 September.