This session introduces the essential foundations of the Living Lab approach. Participants will explore what a Living Lab is, what it is not, and how real-life experimentation, co-creation, active user involvement and multi-stakeholder collaboration come together in practice. The session will help participants understand the core principles that distinguish Living Labs from other innovation formats, such as projects, testbeds, consultations or isolated co-creation activities.

This practical session supports participants in translating the Living Lab concept into their own context. Participants will begin shaping the purpose, real-life setting, stakeholder ecosystem, governance considerations and first activities of a potential Living Lab. Through guided reflection and applied exercises, they will start identifying the key elements needed to move from an initial idea towards a more structured and purposeful Living Lab approach.

This interactive session explores how Living Labs can build deeper, fairer and more meaningful forms of citizen participation by recognising the innovation already taking place in neighbourhoods, workplaces and communities. Drawing on the experience of Knowle West Media Centre, participants will explore how creativity, care, digital arts, making, storymaking, cultural placemaking and digital inclusion can help communities move from being consulted to actively shaping and owning change.

This session explores how Living Lab values can be included in the way impact is assessed and understood. Participants will reflect on how values such as openness, inclusion, trust, collaboration and co-creation can be translated into practical questions, evidence and learning points. The session will help participants think beyond outputs and consider whether their Living Lab practices are also reflecting the values they aim to promote. Participants will also be introduced to practical approaches, including Key Value Indicators (KVIs), to make Living Lab values visible and measurable throughout innovation processes.