SAge-Hub Co-Creation Workshop in Barcelona Advances the Development of Digital Living Lab Ecosystems

The SAge-Hub consortium recently met in Barcelona for a two-day co-creation workshop held at the CETT-Alimara Living Lab, marking an important step in the project’s journey to strengthen interregional collaboration and accelerate innovation in the field of smart and healthy ageing.

The workshop brought together project partners and ecosystem stakeholders to deepen their understanding of Digital Living Labs as dynamic environments where innovation is developed, tested, and validated in real-life settings. Through structured sessions, practical exercises, and collaborative discussions, participants explored how Living Labs can support the co-creation of user-centred solutions that respond to the needs of ageing populations across Europe.

A key focus of the workshop was the design and development of strong, inclusive innovation ecosystems. Participants examined how to map and engage relevant stakeholders from across the quadruple helix — academia, industry, public authorities, and civil society — ensuring that solutions are shaped by real needs and supported by strong regional collaboration. Special attention was given to engagement strategies, governance models, and the long-term sustainability of Living Lab initiatives.

The sessions also highlighted the importance of moving beyond traditional project structures toward more flexible and participatory innovation processes. Living Labs were presented as open environments where continuous feedback, co-creation, and active user involvement play a central role in shaping solutions, strengthening market relevance, and supporting investment readiness.

In addition to the structured programme, the workshop created space for exchange between partners from different regions, allowing them to share experiences, align approaches, and identify opportunities for collaboration. This interregional perspective is central to SAge-Hub’s mission of connecting innovation actors and strengthening European value chains in the smart ageing sector.

The knowledge gained during the Barcelona workshop will directly support the next phase of the project, as partners continue to build and activate regional ecosystems, prepare Living Lab activities, and strengthen collaboration across participating countries.

SAge-Hub is now actively expanding its community. The Ambassadors Call is already open, inviting innovation leaders, ecosystem builders, and regional connectors to become part of the growing SAge-Hub network and support cross-regional collaboration. At the same time, the project is preparing the upcoming SMEs Call, which will offer opportunities for businesses to engage in co-creation activities, validate innovative solutions, and connect with interregional innovation ecosystems.

Through these actions, SAge-Hub continues to build a strong, collaborative environment that empowers stakeholders, supports innovation, and contributes to the development of solutions that promote active and healthy ageing across Europe.