Living labs for Industry 4.0

Living labs are user-centred, open innovation ecosystems based on a systematic user co-creation approach integrating research and innovation processes in real life conditions. Companies can use living labs to test new technologies, products and processes in realistic conditions, while receiving feedback from end-users.

In Flanders, 7 living labs related to industry 4.0 are supported through public funding for the period 2018-2021. The living labs were selected by an expert committee based on the results of a project call. They are geographically spread out in Flanders. Most likely there will be a second round of calls in 2019.

The selected living labs tackle the following topics:
- Agrifood Pilot 4.0
- Smart maintenance
- Predictive maintenance and industrial dataspace
- Smart connectivity
- Digital servitisation
- Operator support
- Smart factories: collaborative work 4.0

Missions of the living labs are:
- Stimulate companies towards Industry 4.0 concepts (early majority and other firms)
- Boost the use of new technologies by providing a save environment
- Realise spill overs (skills, promotion of Industry 4.0, …)
- Reinforce the Industry 4.0 network in Flanders

The Government of Flanders also aims to create a platform/network for these living labs. This could facilitate the process of attracting SMEs to the living labs. It is important that SMEs know how the living labs can help them in their innovation efforts.