The fourth online discussion round on October 30th, 2024, delved into Living Labs from theoretical and practical perspectives. Gerald Schwarz, from the Thünen-Institut, Germany, described Living Labs as collaborative frameworks between scientists and non-academical actors to co-create knowledge and apply innovations beyond an academical setting. Agroecology living labs, in particular, aim at a transformative change for an agroecological transition, not only through technological innovation, but also with a shift on human and social values.

Cristina Carlos, from the university of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal, shared her experience in LivingSoiLL, a European project focused on soil health which includes five different Living Labs on permanent crops. In the Luso-Galician Living Lab, which she oversees, a participatory methodology has been implemented to foster collaboration between farmers, farmer associations, and companies in the wine and olive sectors. Together with researchers, these stakeholders work to identify key soil health challenges and co-create sustainable solutions.

The participants discussed how to prolong the longevity of living labs beyond the typical duration of research projects. They highlighted the importance of additional factors besides the aim of the living labs. These factors can influence stakeholder engagement, especially farmers.