New handbook released: The Living Lab Methodology for Urban Digital Transition

Cities across Europe are navigating an increasingly complex digital transition, driven by rapid advancements in data, artificial intelligence, and emerging urban technologies. While these developments offer opportunities, they also raise important questions around inclusion, trust, governance, and public value.

To support cities and innovators in addressing these challenges, a new handbook titled The Living Lab Methodology for Urban Digital Transition has been released within the Living-in.EU initiative, with contributions from the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL).

The publication provides a practical and accessible introduction to the Living Lab approach, with a specific focus on its application in urban digital transformation. It is designed for city representatives, innovators, and practitioners who are exploring how to develop and implement digital solutions in a more inclusive way.

From concept to practice

The handbook explains the core principles of Living Labs and how these can support cities in navigating digital change. It highlights how Urban Living Labs can:

• reduce risks when testing digital solutions,
• improve usability and public acceptance,
• support evidence-based policymaking,
• and ensure that innovation reflects real community needs.

Practical guidance for cities

Beyond theory, the publication offers concrete guidance on how to set up and run an Urban Living Lab. It covers:

• governance models and institutional set-up,
• stakeholder roles and contributions,
• financing options and sustainability,
• key enablers and common pitfalls.

Real-life insights from city case studies are included throughout the handbook, providing practical lessons and experiences from Living Labs working on urban digital transition.

Access the handbook

The handbook The Living Lab Methodology for Urban Digital Transition is now available:

• Online (digital version): https://knowledgehub.enoll.org/publication/the-living-lab-methodology-for-urban-digital-transition
• In print