Understanding Living Laboratories in European Research

Living Laboratories, often abbreviated as Living Labs (LLs), represent a transformative approach in higher education and research across Europe. These are user-centered open innovation ecosystems where researchers, students, citizens, businesses, public authorities, and other stakeholders collaborate to co-create, test, and validate innovations in real-life contexts. Unlike traditional lab settings, LLs embed experimentation directly into communities and environments, fostering participatory processes that address complex societal challenges.

In the European context, universities play a pivotal role in spearheading LL initiatives, particularly through EU-funded programs. Institutions like the University of Pisa in Italy are at the forefront, publishing comprehensive reviews that map out the landscape of these efforts. This collaborative model not only accelerates innovation but also provides hands-on learning opportunities for students, bridging the gap between academia and practical application.

Breakthrough Review from University of Pisa Researchers

Researchers from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Pisa have published a landmark data descriptor in Scientific Data, a Nature journal, detailing European Commission-funded projects utilizing Living Labs for agri-food system sustainability. Titled 'A review of European-funded projects implementing living labs for the sustainability of agri-food systems,' the paper, released on April 16, 2026, fills a critical gap by compiling a centralized database of these initiatives.

The systematic review, conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, identifies projects where LL methodologies are applied to tackle pressing issues like food security, climate resilience, and sustainable farming. Led by Annapia Ferrara and colleagues including Bastian Göldel, Sabrina Arcuri, and others, the work highlights the heterogeneous terminology used—such as 'multi-actor labs' or 'regional living labs'—which previously obscured the full scope of activities. The open-access dataset, hosted on Zenodo, serves as a vital resource for academics, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to build on existing efforts. Access the full paper here.

This contribution underscores how Italian universities are driving EU-wide research agendas, offering a blueprint for future collaborations.

Mapping EU-Funded Living Labs in Agri-Food

The Pisa review catalogs projects primarily from Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, spanning initiatives that integrate LLs into agriculture and food chains. While exact numbers from the dataset reveal dozens of projects, broader EU statistics indicate hundreds of LL implementations across sectors, with agri-food emerging as a hotspot due to sustainability imperatives.

Key programs include the European Innovation Partnership on Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI) and the Soil Mission under Horizon Europe, aiming for 100 Living Labs and lighthouses by 2030 to restore soil health. Universities coordinate many, such as the ALL-Ready project led by Thünen Institute (affiliated with German research unis), which prepares a network of agroecology LLs. The dataset classifies challenges addressed, from supply chain resilience to biodiversity loss, providing qualitative coding for terms and outcomes.

This mapping reveals geographic spread across Italy, Germany, Netherlands, and beyond, with universities facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement.

Horizon Europe: Fueling University-Led LL Innovations

Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research program with €95.5 billion budget (2021-2027), heavily invests in LLs for agri-food transitions. Projects like REFOREST establish eight agroforestry LLs, involving universities such as those in Spain and France to co-design climate-smart practices with farmers.

The Agroecology Partnership unites over 100 partners, including European universities, to scale LLs for food system transformation. Case in point: the Thriving Agroecology Living Lab (THALLA) in Greece, where local unis collaborate on biodiversity and food security solutions. These initiatives emphasize real-world testing, with universities providing scientific rigor and training for students in participatory research methods.

Funding stats show LLs receiving millions, e.g., €24 million for soil health LLs in forests. The European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL), with 200 members, supports university involvement in over 40 countries.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Case Studies: Universities Pioneering Agri-Food LLs

European universities exemplify LL success. The University of Pisa's DETAILLs project creates a Living Lab for sustainable product design using short food supply chains, involving students in co-creation.

In Germany, the Thünen Institute coordinates ALL-Ready, networking 20+ LLs for agroecology, linking research infrastructures with farming communities. Dutch Wageningen University leads intercropping LLs under DIVAGRI, testing crop mixes for value chains.

• REFOREST (Horizon Europe): Eight LLs across Europe, unis like SLU Sweden co-create agroforestry with farmers, yielding positive biodiversity results.
• Climate Farm Demo: Pilot farms as LLs, universities monitor data-driven sustainable practices.
• FoodPaths: Hub of foodtech LLs, unis foster best practice exchange.

These cases demonstrate universities' role in translating research into actionable sustainability.

Universities' Central Role in LL Co-Creation

Higher education institutions are linchpins in LLs, offering expertise in data analysis, methodology design, and education. Professors supervise student involvement in fieldwork, while departments host multi-actor workshops.

In agri-food LLs, unis like Pisa analyze qualitative data using frameworks from Gibbs and Saldaña, ensuring robust evaluations. This hands-on approach equips graduates with skills for innovation roles, aligning with EU's green deal goals.

Challenges include scaling from pilots, addressed through university-led capacity building via ENoLL trainings.

Challenges Facing LL Implementation

Despite promise, LLs face hurdles: terminology variability complicates discovery, as noted in the Pisa review. Resource constraints in smaller unis limit participation, and measuring long-term impacts requires advanced metrics.

Solutions emerge from university consortia, standardizing protocols and sharing datasets like Zenodo's open Excel. Explore the Pisa dataset for insights.

Impacts on Agri-Food Sustainability and Higher Ed

LLs drive tangible change: enhanced soil health, reduced emissions, resilient supply chains. University-led evaluations show co-created innovations adopted by farmers, boosting EU food security.

For higher ed, LLs enrich curricula, fostering interdisciplinary skills. Programs integrate LL participation, preparing students for green jobs.

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Future Directions for European Universities

With Horizon Europe extensions and new missions, LLs will expand. Universities must prioritize inclusivity, digital tools for virtual LLs, and international partnerships.

Pisa's review signals a maturing field, urging more uni investments in LL infrastructures for 2030 sustainability targets.

Career Opportunities in EU Living Labs Research

LLs create demand for researchers, postdocs, and lecturers in sustainability. Universities seek experts in participatory innovation, with roles in Horizon consortia.

Explore positions at leading institutions driving this field.