iLab.o in the picture

Europe has a new approach to technological research. It’s called ‘living labs’ and it’s a method to test new ideas in real-life situations.

The big advantage is that by using this method it can be tested how an innovation is used in everyday life.

If necessary the concept can be adapted to the needs of society and that’s how this type of research can contribute to developing sustainable cities.

The Smart+Connected Communities Institute recently spoke with Pieter Ballon. He is the international secretary of the European Network of Living Labs, manager of the living lab (called iLab.o) of IBBT and a professor of media economics at Vrije Universiteit Brussels. Ballon describes in this article the importance of the living labs.

 The full article can be read here.