Final report on Living Labs application and lessons learned

This report presents a synthesis of how RUSTIK’s Living Lab methodology was implemented and experienced across fourteen diverse Pilot Regions. Drawing on learning from practice, the report explores how place-based, collaborative experimentation supported regions to learn about and respond to socio-economic and demographic, climate and environmental, and digital transitions in rural areas across Europe. It first outlines the conceptual and methodological foundations of Living Labs, then describes how RUSTIK adapted these principles to develop a structured, yet flexible, approach centred on co-design, data experimentation, and iterative learning. Experience from practical interventions in the Living Labs highlights the importance of contextual factors, including institutional capacity, data quality and maturity, and local stakeholder cohesion. An implementation typology reflecting common patterns across Living Labs is proposed. The report concludes with implications and recommendations for future rural Living Labs and for designing effective multi-actor, place-based innovation processes in rural areas.