Digital for Planet at Living Labs Conference: Driving Systemic Change Through Societal Engagement
As innovators, policymakers, and researchers gathered at the Living Labs Conference to explore collaborative solutions for today’s societal challenges, it is clear that the future of sustainable innovation lies in harnessing collective knowledge and fostering inclusive dialogue.
The recent Living Labs Frontiers Conference in Timișoara, Romania, brought together innovators, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders for an inspiring and thought-provoking three days of exploration, collaboration, and learning. The event, focused on the theme “Driving Systemic Change through Soci(et)al Engagement, for Real Impact”, tackling some of today’s most pressing societal challenges through the lens of Living Labs – collaborative, real-life ecosystems for co-creation and innovation.
Organised by the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL), the conference featured an array of stimulating discussions, research sessions, workshops, and site visits. These sessions delved into the role Living Labs can play in shaping policy-making, fostering inclusive engagement, and helping businesses and society adapt to emerging technologies. From urban innovation to sustainable agriculture, the event showcased how these collaborative platforms are driving systemic change at the grassroots level.
Keynote speaker Dr. Haydee Sheombar, founder of Kankan*Tree, delivered an extraordinary intervention that left a profound impact on attendees. Her speech revolved around the pressing need for meaningful engagement in today’s fast-paced digital society and the pivotal role Living Labs can play in bridging existing gaps in innovation and societal participation. She stressed the importance of fostering trust, integrity, and benevolence in co-creation processes. Her speech underscored the necessity of building “smart societies” where no one is left behind and emphasised the role of citizen participation in innovation, since the process of innovation and science is as important as the results, she noted, highlighting the need for transparent and inclusive engagement strategies.
One of the key insights Digital Everywhere, Citizens First session was the contrast between Augmented Humanity vs Augmented Reality. While augmented reality focuses on technological enhancement, Dr. Sheombar argued that Augmented Humanity—a model that prioritizes human values, ethics, and inclusivity—is the true pathway toward sustainable innovation. She advocated for an approach where technology serves humanity, rather than overshadowing it, reiterating that “Citizen first, ethics always” should be the guiding principle of all Living Lab initiatives.
And that was just the beginning, several standout sessions were given during the days: For example the one on the EC Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”, which aims to establish 100 Living Labs and Lighthouses by 2030 to promote healthy soils. The session reviewed early achievements, explored the challenges ahead, and emphasized the potential for global expansion. Similarly, the session “Transformative Potential of Living Labs in Oncology” showcased Living Labs’ potential in patient advocacy and healthcare innovation, with real-world examples from Romania and Greece.
Workshops on sustainable agriculture in Africa and citizen engagement in urban spaces further demonstrated the wide-reaching potential of the Living Labs approach. From community-led murals to agroecological transition pilots, these sessions offered hands-on insights into how co-creation can foster local engagement and drive impactful change.
The conference’s wide array of sessions, inputs, and experiences – from policy discussions to interactive workshops – made it clear that the Living Labs model is key to addressing complex societal challenges. While summarizing all the insights from the event is an immense task, one thing is certain: the potential of Living Labs to create real, lasting societal change is boundless.
At Digital for Planet D4P, we draw profound inspiration from these initiatives and the significant strides they are making toward creating a more sustainable future. This ongoing work is actively shaping the innovations and collaborations needed to address today’s complex societal challenges. Central to our mission is a strong commitment to community engagement, as we firmly believe that societal change is most effectively achieved through active participation and collaboration.
A prime example of this belief in action is our 6G4Society project, which focuses on harnessing the potential of next-generation technologies to address pressing social issues. Through this project, we engage diverse community stakeholders, facilitating conversations and co-creation efforts that empower local voices and promote inclusivity. We recognize that effective societal change requires listening to and amplifying the perspectives of those directly impacted by technological advancements. By prioritizing social engagement, we ensure that innovation serves the needs of all members of society, creating a more equitable digital landscape.
As we look ahead, we are excited about the potential of Living Labs and similar initiatives to act as catalysts for collaboration, fostering environments where ideas can flourish and diverse voices are heard. Together, we can build a more sustainable and inclusive future, ensuring that technology truly serves humanity and contributes to the common good.
