A stronger role for Living Labs in Europe’s agri-food future
Blog post description.
Living Labs - linking research with practical implementation
The European Commission’s new strategic approach, adopted on September 8, brings together AgRI 2040 and Food 2040 to turn research and innovation into practical benefits for farmers, businesses and rural communities. It also strengthens connections between Living Labs and EIP-AGRI Operational Groups (European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability), linking research with practical implementation. One idea stands out: innovation in agriculture, forestry and rural areas is about experimentation, adaptation and learning as much as technology. EIP-AGRI Operational Groups are teams formed to solve a practical problem or develop an innovation in agriculture or forestry. They bring together farmers, foresters, researchers, advisors, businesses and other relevant partners. For example, a group might work with olive growers to test ways of reducing water use, improving soil health or turning processing residues into useful products. Farmers help define the problem and test the solution under real conditions. Their projects receive support through national or regional Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) arrangements. The Commission’s new strategy seeks stronger connections between these groups and Living Labs. agriculture.ec.europa.eu agriculture.ec.europa.eu For Ruralities, the opportunity is to connect local needs, expertise and partners: an Operational Group could undertake a specific innovation project within the Living Lab’s continuing network. These processes are rooted in specific territories and communities. Farmers are more likely to adopt solutions they helped create and have seen work under real conditions. That changes how innovation is produced—not simply how it is communicated. Two opportunities are especially relevant to the Ruralities Living Lab:
🔹 Living Labs as lasting structures. Their value grows through continuity: trusted relationships, accumulated knowledge and opportunities to test, refine and learn over time. Ruralities aims to sustain those connections beyond individual projects, bringing farmers, researchers, businesses, authorities and residents together around local priorities.
🔹 Innovation vouchers as a route to practical access. The Commission will explore vouchers to strengthen collaboration between innovators and Living Labs, incubators, accelerators and pilot facilities. Making testing and validation more accessible to start-ups and SMEs with limited resources could close a real gap, particularly in widening regions.
Ruralities can help connect these ambitions to local action by identifying needs, bringing in expertise and supporting communities to adapt solutions—from sustainable production and local food value chains to digital skills and rural entrepreneurship.
Recognition matters. Continuity and access make it useful.
Read more at https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/media/news/commission-launches-agri-food-innovation-strategy-2026-09-08_en
#Ruralities #LivingLabs #AgriFoodInnovation #RuralInnovation #InnovationVouchers #KnowledgeTransfer #RightToStay
Ruralities Living Lab for Resilient Rural Communities
Sustainability in Rural Enterprises and Innovation
A member of the Social Innovation Stakeholders Network - www.SocialInnovationActions.Org
Social Innovation Actions - PIC 878506012
