DATE & TIME
1 October 2026, 11:00 – 12:15
TRACKS
TRACK 5: Living Labs Operation, Methods, Tools, and Impact
ROOM
Darwin
TYPE OF SESSION
Roundtable
Description
Higher education institutions increasingly adopt Living Lab methodologies, yet integration remains fragmented and impact difficult to demonstrate. Challenge-Based Learning occurs in isolated courses; institutional structures lack systematic Living Lab embedding; evaluation systems undervalue experiential learning and societal engagement. Meanwhile, practitioners struggle to document Living Lab contributions beyond anecdotal evidence. This panel addresses: How do we measure and communicate Living Lab impact at different scales, from student learning outcomes to (municipal) policy influence? How can we assess the longevity and sustainability of solutions developed through educational Living Labs? What pathways exist for translating Living Lab insights into policy and practice? How can companies and entrepreneurs effectively channel real-world challenges into academic curricula and knowledge transfer?
From individual courses to European University Alliances: this panel explores Living Lab integration across micro, meso, macro, and meta layers in higher education. We share an impact framework and practical cases, addressing how HEIs demonstrate Living Lab value beyond anecdote.
Agenda
Speakers
Alexandra Petcu
Innovation Manager at Advanced Environmental Research Institute, West University of Timișoara, host of the UVT Digital & Green Living Lab
Alexandra Petcu
Innovation Manager at Advanced Environmental Research Institute, West University of Timișoara, host of the UVT Digital & Green Living LabAlexandra Petcu is the coordinator of the UVT Digital & Green Living Lab and head of Innovation & Technology Transfer at the West University of Timișoara (WUT/UVT). She also serves as a visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and the Faculty of Physics at WUT. With previous experience in the Education Ministry during the Romanian Secretariat of the Bologna Follow-Up Group, Alexandra has contributed to policy recommendations in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She has led the development of a sustainability-driven student entrepreneurial ecosystem in Western Romania, resulting in the launch of new businesses focused on low CO2 emissions, biodiversity conservation, waste reduction, and digital innovation; since then, she is co-facilitator of the regional entrepreneurship & innovation ecosystem in the West region of Romania. In her current role, Alexandra coordinates the innovation and sustainability strategy for the UNITA – Universitas Montium European University Alliance at WUT. Her research centers on Living Lab methodologies in schools and universities, supporting the EU’s research and education goals for the twin transition.
Koen Vervoort
Senior Stakeholder Strategist, ENoLL
Koen Vervoort
Senior Stakeholder Strategist, ENoLLHelping Living Labs since 2006 @i-City, IBBT, iMinds, City of Thing, iMec as Stakeholder engagement specialist and now as a Senior Stakeholder Strategist at ENoLL, building bridges and opportunities for all members and interested parties. With nearby 20 years of experience in User Involvement, Panel Management and Stakeholder Engagement, Koen is constantly trying to strengthen the Living Lab community around the globe.
Helena Pérez
Integration Manager, Alimara Living Lab (CETT-UB, University of Barcelona)
Helena Pérez
Integration Manager, Alimara Living Lab (CETT-UB, University of Barcelona)Helena Pérez serves as Integration Manager at the Alimara Living Lab (CETT-UB, University of Barcelona), where she works on bridging the gap between academia and industry at Europe's first university hotel. In this role, she designs and leads real-world projects at the intersection of education, innovation, and hospitality — including initiatives that have served as the basis for applied research. Her Master's thesis, which drew on one such project, was recognised with the Best Thesis Award in Spain by RedIntur Icarion 2025. She is also a Lecturer, Researcher and Academic Coordinator at EUHT CETT-UB, where she is a member of the GRATiR Research Group and coordinates postgraduate programmes in hospitality and revenue management. Her areas of expertise include hotel innovation, customer experience, strategic management, and the integration of technology within tourism businesses and services. She holds a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, and a Master's in Tourism Project Development and Launch with a mention in Business and Experience Digitalisation.
Julia Backhaus
Coordinator Living Labs Incubator, RWTH Aachen University
Julia Backhaus
Coordinator Living Labs Incubator, RWTH Aachen UniversityJulia Backhaus is a postdoctoral researcher and coordinator of the Living Labs Incubator at RWTH Aachen University. Her work focuses on collaboration, participation, and making science, technology, and innovation more inclusive and democratic. She is particularly interested in practice-based, pluralistic approaches to sustainability transitions and studies how open experimentation and engaged research can drive societal change. After earning her PhD at the Maastricht Sustainability Institute, Julia is dedicated to creating collaborative spaces in research and education that connect people across social spheres and sectors to build fairer, more sustainable futures. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-backhaus-7701258a/
Heleen Geerts
Lecturer/Researcher Living Labs & Liaison Manager Entrepreneurship, The Hague University of Applied Sciences
Heleen Geerts
Lecturer/Researcher Living Labs & Liaison Manager Entrepreneurship, The Hague University of Applied SciencesHeleen Geerts, Lecturer/Researcher Living Labs and Liaison Manager Entrepreneurship at The Hague University of Applied Sciences to The Hague with the Designing Value Networks research group. Her work focuses on systemic co-design research regarding eco-systems and experimental learning environments like living labs and exploring value networks for transitions across entrepreneurial contexts. A significant part of her academic journey involved a research project Future Proof Retail, where Heleen contributed to developing, organizing, and facilitating knowledge exchange between eight national, locally-focused living labs. The knowledge gathered was published in two books on How to Innovate with Living Labs ( Innovating with labs. That's how you do it! ). This experience led to her involvement in the establishment of the THUAS Learning Community ‘Haagse Labs’ and the development of a Retail Innovation & Experience Campus in the Hague region in collaboration with a diverse public-private consortium. Heleen later served as vocational professor (practor) for new retail & entrepreneurship at the Regional Vocational institution ROC Mondriaan. With the motto "From ego to eco-system," Heleen is dedicated to fostering a sustainable and inclusive society. Heleen's involvement in public-private collaborations and entrepreneurship, demonstrates her commitment to dynamic learning environments where experimenting, learning, innovating and creating are central. On behalf of THUAS, she collaborates with researchers, companies, educational institutions and the local, regional and international community to co-create innovative solutions.