Farms4Climate joined the global gathering of Living Labs

Farms4Climate partners Elvira Marín Irigaray (Aland) and Teodoro Berloco (Agreenment) participated at the OpenLivingLab Days in Romania, where Living Lab representatives, innovators, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders explored the potential of Living Labs in leading impactful systemic changes through societal engagement.  

A global gathering of international Living Labs (LLs) took place last month in Timișoara, Romania, during the OpenLivingLab Days, the flagship annual event of the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL). The event brought together more than 300 LL representatives, public officials, researchers, corporate leaders, and innovators from around the world, including Farms4Climate partners Teodoro Berloco (Agreenment) and Elvira Marín Irigaray (Aland).

The 3-day conference featured discussions, workshops, and panels articulated around how Living Labs can drive meaningful systemic transformations through collaboration and societal participation. The event emphasized the role of LLs in shaping policies, promoting inclusive and active engagement, and fostering innovation in fields such as urban development and sustainable agriculture.

Among many high-level speakers from the public and private sectors, Elvira Marín gave a presentation during the session "One year into the Mission Soil: achievements, lessons learned, and future opportunities for the Living Lab community", where she discussed Aland's approach to regenerating soils and landscapes. Meanwhile, Teodoro Berloco participated in the "Learning Day" (Day 0), where he explored the foundational principles of Living Labs, gaining insights into building them, defining roles, integrating processes and business models, and creating value.

Participation in this event not only strengthened F4C partners' involvement in soil health initiatives and upcoming EU Soil Mission funding opportunities, but also opened potential avenues for international collaboration within the global Living Lab network. The event fostered meaningful exchanges among innovators, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders, enhancing knowledge on developing impactful Living Labs through best practices, innovative business models, and co-creation strategies. Moreover, the conference emphasized the global potential of Living Labs to drive systemic change at the grassroots level.