Environmental education is increasingly recognised as a powerful tool for connecting universities, communities and regional stakeholders. This perspective was at the heart of the NEOLAiA Living Lab Hub workshop titled “Living Labs and Regional Stakeholders: from collaboration to shared responsibility”, held online on 6 March 2026.
The event brought together researchers and partners from across the NEOLAiA European Universities Alliance to exchange experiences on how Living Labs can strengthen collaboration between universities and their regional ecosystems.
The workshop focused on peer learning and forward-looking discussions, allowing participants to share concrete examples of cooperation with regional stakeholders, reflect on challenges and explore new ways to strengthen long-term engagement.
Greenopoli at the centre of the discussion
For the first time, the workshop welcomed Prof. Giovanni De Feo, creator of Greenopoli, the environmental education project developed at the University of Salerno.
His intervention attracted significant interest among participants and stimulated lively discussions on the role that educational initiatives can play in strengthening the Living Lab approach.
Greenopoli was presented as an example of how innovative educational concepts can be combined with regional engagement strategies, helping universities connect scientific knowledge with local communities.
Through creative communication and participatory activities, the project translates complex environmental topics, such as circular economy, waste prevention and sustainable lifestyles, into accessible experiences for students and citizens.
Living Labs and regional ecosystems
The NEOLAiA Living Lab Programme aims to create collaborative environments where universities, citizens, institutions and businesses work together to experiment with solutions to real-world challenges.
During the workshop, participants discussed how Living Labs can move from simple collaboration toward shared responsibility, strengthening the long-term involvement of regional stakeholders and reinforcing the territorial impact of university initiatives.
Match-making session for future collaborations
Alongside the main workshop, the NEOLAiA Living Lab Hub also organised a match-making session focused on health, designed to foster networking among participants.
The session adopted a speed-dating format, allowing researchers and project leaders to present their initiatives in brief one-to-one exchanges and explore potential collaborations.
A growing European dialogue on sustainability education
The meeting confirmed the growing importance of environmental education and citizen engagement within European university alliances.
Projects like Greenopoli demonstrate how universities can go beyond traditional research activities and act as catalysts for social innovation, sustainability awareness and community participation.
In this sense, the NEOLAiA Living Lab initiative represents an important step toward building a European community of practice, where universities and regional actors collaborate to address environmental and social challenges together.
More information about the workshop is available here:
https://neolaia.unisa.it/en/living-labs-and-regional-stakeholders-from-collaboration-to-shared-responsibility/