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Implementing living labs to support local climate change adaptation and resilience strategies using a system innovation approach

Author

Listed:
  • Alice Guittard

    (ICRE8)

  • Isabelle La Jeunesse
  • Ebun Akinsete

    (ICRE8)

  • Maria Tziva
  • Ana Lorena Barrueto Munoz
  • Alicia Blanchi-Sic
  • Alexandra Spyropoulou
  • Phoebe Koundouri

Abstract

Climate change impacts in Europe are accelerating, creating urgent adaptation needs across diverse local contexts. This paper presents the implementation of a Systems Innovation Approach (SIA) through living labs to co-design climate resilience strategies in nine European case studies. SIA provides a structured, participatory framework for systemic change through a stepwise approach enabling the development of tailor-made sustainability strategies by co-designing a portfolio of short, mid, and long-term innovative solutions. Living labs can successfully support open innovation ecosystems by enabling knowledge exchange, trust-building, and co-creation of tailored innovation pathways for adaptation. Results demonstrate that through the SIA, living lab can enhance stakeholder networks and capacity building, co-create knowledge and mutual understanding across a diversity of stakeholders while fostering actionable strategies. However, challenges remain regarding sustaining living labs beyond project funding, maintaining engagement, and bridging planning-to-implementation gaps. The paper concludes with recommendations for institutionalizing living labs within governance frameworks to accelerate Europe's transition toward climate resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Alice Guittard & Isabelle La Jeunesse & Ebun Akinsete & Maria Tziva & Ana Lorena Barrueto Munoz & Alicia Blanchi-Sic & Alexandra Spyropoulou & Phoebe Koundouri, 2026. "Implementing living labs to support local climate change adaptation and resilience strategies using a system innovation approach," DEOS Working Papers 2605, Athens University of Economics and Business.
    • Handle: RePEc:aue:wpaper:2605
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    References listed on IDEAS

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