On April 30th, the Epirus Living Lab (ELL) was officially launched in Ioannina, Greece. As an open innovation platform, the Lab brings together research, local knowledge, and co-creation to address pressing social and environmental challenges in the region.
The Epirus Living Lab (ELL) event marked the start of a regional initiative aimed at connecting research with real-life social needs. The launch gathered stakeholders from across sectors, including local businesses, universities, associations, and public authorities, with the goal of introducing ELL’s mission and exploring avenues for collaboration. During the launch event, the vision and objectives of the Epirus Living Lab were presented, along with the core participants already involved. The event also served as a space for connecting with stakeholders from across Epirus and exploring opportunities for future collaboration. Attendees included representatives of local businesses, the Technical Chamber of Ioannina, the Municipality of Ioannina, the University of Ioannina, regional political groups, and local associations.
At the heart of ELL is a participatory model that enables citizens, organizations, researchers, and institutions to co-design and test services, products, and methods under real-life conditions. This approach ensures that solutions are grounded in the everyday realities of the communities they serve. In its early phase, ELL is supported by ten socially active organizations in Epirus and focuses on four thematic areas:
– Organizational Modeling
– Rural development
– Community energy
– Local entrepreneurship
Why Epirus?
With its rich natural and cultural heritage, the region offers a unique setting for sustainable development. ELL leverages this context to promote inclusive innovation aligned with EU priorities for social inclusion and digital and green transitions. The Lab applies methods like Participatory Action Research, open-technology tools, and ongoing impact assessment to ensure relevance, foster trust, and reduce implementation risks. By creating a collaborative ecosystem, the Epirus Living Lab seeks to transform research into viable, community-rooted solutions with lasting impact.
