The informative event titled “Living Labs: Collaborative Innovation Hubs for the Future” was successfully held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Technical Schools of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce.
The event, organized by the Mediterranean Agronomic Competence Center (MACC) in collaboration with the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL), aimed to highlight Living Labs as dynamic ecosystems fostering innovation and co-creation to address contemporary social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Event Objectives
- To showcase the power of Living Labs as innovative hubs that connect citizens, local government, academia, and industry for co-developing solutions to real-world challenges.
- To promote collaboration through the ENoLL network, leveraging international expertise to create opportunities in Crete.
- To strengthen networking among stakeholders, encouraging the creation of new Living Labs or enhancing the activity of existing ones.
Participation and Engagement
The hybrid event welcomed over 30 participants in person, with several others joining online via Zoom. The diverse audience included:
- Local government representatives
- Entrepreneurs and researchers
- Citizens and innovation leaders
The hybrid format enabled participation from both local and international stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and cross-regional collaboration for sustainable innovation.
Keynote Speakers
Renowned speakers presented successful case studies and highlighted the potential of Living Labs:
- Aurora Agostinis – European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL)
Presented the role of ENoLL and the SOILL & SOILL-Startup Project, emphasizing the importance of sustainable soil management and participatory innovation. - Dr. Evdokimos Konstantinidis – Thess-AHALL Living Lab
Shared insights on the Thess-AHALL Living Lab, showcasing innovations that enhance health and well-being. - Dr. Emmanouil Koudoumas – MACC-SOIL Living Lab
Highlighted the activities of the MACC-SOIL Living Lab in Crete, focusing on sustainable agriculture and soil protection. - Dr. Evdokia Krystallidou – KAEM Living Lab
Presented the KAEM Living Lab, connecting cultural heritage with sustainable development in olive production. - Dr. George Papamichail – Science & Technology Park of Crete (STEP-C)
Emphasized STEP-C’s role as a hub for entrepreneurial innovation and technological advancement in Crete.
Key Takeaways
🔹 The event reaffirmed the potential of Living Labs as tools for fostering innovation and creating sustainable solutions with social and environmental impact.
🔹 Participants highlighted the importance of trust among citizens, academia, industry, and government—the key stakeholders in the Living Labs model.
🔹 Collaboration with the ENoLL network can bring European best practices to address local challenges effectively.
Key areas of focus included:
- Establishing new Living Labs in Crete.
- Encouraging active participation in existing initiatives.
- Enhancing local and international cooperation for knowledge exchange and innovative practices.
Future Steps and Collaborations
The event concluded with an engaging and constructive discussion where participants:
- Shared ideas, proposals, and challenges.
- Outlined priorities for establishing and expanding Living Labs in the region.
- Committed to strengthening partnerships at local and international levels.
Looking Ahead 🌱
Living Labs have proven to be catalysts for innovation and sustainable development, bridging the gap between citizens, academia, businesses, and policymakers. By fostering co-creation and collaboration, Living Labs offer tangible solutions to real-world problems, creating measurable societal and environmental impact.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all speakers, participants, and partners for their valuable contributions to the success of this event!