OpenLivingLab Days is the flagship annual event organized by the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL). It is the global gathering of international Living Labs that brings together living labbers, public officials, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, and innovators from around the world. The event offers a unique platform for networking, exchanging best practices, and collaborating on cutting-edge projects and for reflecting on the latest trends and how to shape the regenerative future.  

The 2025 edition of the OpenLivingLab Days will take place in Andorra la Vella, Andorra, from 30 September – 3 October 2025. This year, we are embracing a truly unique setting—an entire country as a Living Lab! Andorra itself will serve as a dynamic testing ground for innovation, making this edition unlike any before. We are happy to co-organize this event with the Andorra Research and Innovation Foundation, the host of Andorra Living Lab. 

Living Labs for regenerative futures connecting local and global innovation ecosystems

The theme of this year’s event, “Living Labs for Regenerative Futures: Connecting Local and Global Innovation Ecosystems,” explores how we can fundamentally reimagine our relationship with the planet and build systems that not only sustain but actively regenerate ecological, social, and economic health. A regenerative future goes beyond sustainability—it seeks to restore, renew, and revitalize the interconnected systems that support life on Earth. 

During the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in various interactive sessions, workshops, research paper discussions, and site visits and explore how Living Labs play a role in regenerative futures and discuss about the vital roles of Living Labs in shaping policy-making and governance within innovation ecosystems. Immersed in the unique setting of the Pyrenees, the surrounding environment will be integral to our discussions and site visits, inspiring conversations on regenerative futures and sustainable innovation.  

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

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 regenerative approaches.

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 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 regenerative change, recognizing the transformative potential of these environments in addressing societal challenges in ways that are equitable, diverse, and inclusive.

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.

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 interactive discussions, hands-on workshops, research paper presentations, and networking opportunities, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to learn about the latest trends and contribute to the developments in the field of Living Labs. The conference will feature a mixture of learning opportunities, and also exchanges and debates on relevant topics 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 30 September, a Learning Lab Day will be held for participants eager to learn more about Living Labs through trainings. The official start of OpenLivingLab Days will take place on 1 October, kicking off two days filled with panel discussions, research presentations, workshops, and engaging topic debates. On 3 October, the final day, participants will have the opportunity to explore and discover more about the local ecosystem through site visits to key innovation spaces but also by reconnecting with nature in Andorra’s unique surroundings.  

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 vegan and vegetarian food options and committing to a plastic-free approach, using sustainable alternatives for packaging, utensils, and serving materials. 

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.   

Exhibition booths  

The conference will feature a Networking Village – an open-air space with exhibition booths, accessible to both conference attendees and the public. This space will foster synergy between the Living Lab ecosystem and Andorran citizens, bringing Living Lab initiatives closer to the community and creating a lasting impact. 

The Networking Village will include an open lounge area and a dedicated space for “Village Talks,” where pitches and short inspirational speeches will take place. Attendees will be able to explore a diverse range of exhibition booths that showcase the latest initiatives in the Living Lab world. From cutting-edge technologies to innovative solutions, the dedicated networking village will be the perfect place to discover what Living Labs have to offer.   

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.  

Networking and social events 

The conference will provide a variety of networking opportunities outside the conference rooms, for attendees to connect and collaborate with professionals from diverse fields. These opportunities are designed to facilitate meaningful connections and collaborations among attendees. The social dinner, set for 1 October 2025, will be a highlight of the evening networking and social events, providing a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect in a relaxed evening setting. On other days, networking will continue through more informal social gatherings, fostering meaningful interactions throughout the conference. During the day, networking will be a key focus, facilitated through the “Networking Village” and structured brokerage event, where participants will be matched based on their interest. 

Whether participants seek to expand their network, gain insights from peers, or simply unwind and have fun, there will be something for everyone. 

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 30 September 2025.