How to Facilitate Co-Creation through Living Labs 

Author: Marion Kade, Tartu City Government

Living Labs play an important role in creating a dynamic and collaborative environment where stakeholders can engage in hands-on experimentation, co-creation, and innovation. Living Labs help bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that the organisation’s roadmap is both conceptually sound and practically applicable.

One of the cornerstones of the Tartu County Circular Economy Roadmap is the Living Labs initiative. In this article we’ll reveal our best practices working on living labs in Tartu, Estonia.

Objectives of Living Labs

The Living Labs have several key objectives:

• Facilitating Co-Creation: By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders—including local citizens, businesses, municipal representatives, and experts—we foster a collaborative atmosphere where everyone can contribute their insights and experiences.
• Promoting Innovation: Living Labs serve as experimental environments that encourage innovation in circular economy practices. Stakeholders can test new ideas, technologies, and business models in real-world settings, gathering valuable feedback for the roadmap.
• Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement: By actively involving the community in the decision-making process, we empower residents to take ownership of circular economy initiatives, increasing the likelihood of community buy-in.
• Driving Behavior Change: Interactive workshops and activities educate participants about circular economy principles, fostering a culture of sustainability within the community.

Impact of Living Labs

The Living Labs have significantly influenced the overall development of the Tartu County Circular Economy Roadmap. Their impact can be summarized as follows:

• Localized Solutions: Insights from Living Lab discussions have led to tailored strategies addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within Tartu County.
• Innovative Business Models: The experimental nature of Living Labs has inspired the creation of adaptable and scalable business models that prioritize sustainability and community engagement.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Living Labs foster a culture of collaboration among stakeholders, breaking down barriers between sectors and promoting cross-sector partnerships.
• Continuous Learning: The ongoing feedback process ensures that the roadmap remains a living document, adapting to new insights and challenges.

Key Living Lab Activities

In Tartu, the Living Labs are designed around structured activities that allow for ongoing feedback and continuous improvement. Examples of notable meetings included:

• First Living Lab Meeting (November 25, 2022): This meeting aligned regional sustainability goals with Tartu’s climate plans, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.
• Second Living Lab Meeting (January 12, 2023): Participants identified existing barriers to circular practices and explored potential solutions, laying the groundwork for targeted strategies.
• Third Living Lab Meeting (April 25, 2023): This meeting focused on enhancing community engagement in repair and reuse initiatives, encouraging local residents to participate actively.
• Fourth Living Lab Meeting (March 15, 2024): Stakeholders reflected on the roadmap’s development process and assessed progress toward goals, ensuring the roadmap remained relevant and responsive.
• Ongoing Feedback Mechanisms: Continuous input from stakeholders through surveys, focus groups, and workshops enhances the credibility and effectiveness of our proposed solutions.