Personal Blogs

Living Labs: A New Approach to Research and Innovation
Discover how real-world co-creation is changing the way projects succeed.

Traditional research and innovation processes often unfold behind closed doors, far from the people and environments they aim to influence. Yet a growing body of practice supported by the European Network of Living Labs suggests a radically different approach: design, test, and co-create in real-world settings with the very people innovations are meant to serve.

Here is my understanding of Living Labs in context of Sustainable Business Design.

Living Labs move beyond laboratory walls and theoretical models, creating open, interactive ecosystems where users, researchers, organisations, and communities work together through iterative cycles of experimentation and learning.

This shift matters for Horizon Europe projects, sustainable innovation, and any effort where user relevance, feasibility, and impact cannot be left to assumptions.

Many new and established companies face significant challenges, and often the root cause is a weak business model. That's why it's essential for every entrepreneur, startup founder, and business leader to deeply understand and carefully craft their business model. It can be the difference between success and failure.

A key question for any leader is: how do we actively engage with our business model? How do we unpack this complex concept, simplify it, and, most importantly, share it in a way that empowers the entire team to contribute and drive it forward?

Here the Business Model Canvas come. The Business Model Canvas isn't just a theoretical concept; it's a practical tool I've used for over 10 years to help businesses clarify their business models. That's why I created a video, "What is the Business Model and what is business model canvas?", to share its power with other entrepreneurs. The Canvas establishes a shared language, is simple and visual, and allows you to discover opportunities.

Have a look and let me know if that is something you would like to use while working ON your business idea!

I’ve recently dedicated time to developing materials aimed at aspiring and new entrepreneurs which are exploring various aspects of business design and entrepreneurship. This journey can be both exciting and daunting, and I believe it’s essential to equip oneself with the right knowledge and strategies.

Today, I want to highlight a crucial point: before launching a new business (a startup) —it’s vital to engage in specific preparatory activities (business exploration). These steps are instrumental in identifying the right business model, which is fundamental to the success of any venture. 

To share my insights on this topic, I’ve created what I call the Passion to Profit Approach. I recorded a video where I distill 24 years of experience into just 22 minutes. In this video, I cover key concepts and practical strategies that can help you navigate the complexities of starting your own business. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/v-xJIUHGeh4

If you’re interested in this subject, I encourage you to check out the video and would love to hear your thoughts! Your feedback is invaluable as it will help me to maximise my impact on turning entrepreneurs' passions into successful enterprises.