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From September 25 to 27, the city of Timisoara in Romania, hosted the Open Living Lab Days (OLLD), an annual event organized by the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL). This international gathering unites global innovators to explore how Living Labs are shaping digital and social transformation in response to pressing challenges.
i2CAT played a key role in discussions focused on policy, governance, and citizen participation, all essential for building inclusive digital ecosystems. The organization contributed valuable insights on how Living Labs can support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in testing and validating innovations within real-world environments. This test-before-invest model allows SMEs to mitigate risks, reduce costs, and tailor their solutions to local community needs. i2CAT also emphasized the capacity of Living Labs to foster digital innovation that prioritizes social impact, inclusion, and sustainability.
In addition to these discussions, i2CAT was engaged in topics related to inclusive innovation and ecosystem development in Africa. Conversations highlighted how Living Labs can enhance clinical research by breaking down participation barriers for healthcare professionals, showcasing their potential to transform healthcare structures and foster innovation. The dialogues also underscored the rapid growth of Living Labs across the African continent, with examples from countries like Senegal, Tunisia, South Africa, and Egypt. These collaborative ecosystems were recognized for their role in addressing regional challenges while driving sustainable economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion.
Moreover, i2CAT continues its commitment to promoting digital social innovation that leverages technology to tackle global and social challenges, with a particular focus on bridging the gender gap in ICT. Through the Col·laboratori Catalunya project, i2CAT and the Government of Catalonia have launched initiatives aimed at increasing visibility, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring future generations of women in technology.
During the Research Closing Session at OLLD, i2CAT collaborated with global experts to outline future research directions aimed at addressing critical societal challenges such as climate change, health, and energy. This session also marked the launch of the Research Working Group, dedicated to enhancing the quality and impact of Living Lab research worldwide.
Open Living Lab Days is the premier global event for the Living Lab community, promoting open innovation and collaborative development. It provides a platform for practitioners and researchers to exchange ideas and insights on how Living Labs can drive sustainable development, technological innovation, and social value creation through participatory ecosystems.
