Urban Innovation Laboratory

By project STEP UP

Published on 06 March 2025

Portugal

Norte

Braga

About this good practice

The Urban Innovation Laboratory was established in 2019, openning a space for collaboration and co-creation between municipal technicians, private companies, universities and research centers, in the development of innovative interdisciplinary projects in the scope of mobility, environmental sustainability and urban management.
Its guideline principle is the convergence of knowledge and the establishing synergies by giving technical support to the knowledge produced at universities, implementing political, urban planning and environmental measures, among many others.
Throughout the year, students (Master or PhD) from several disciplinary fields and institutions are welcomed into the Laboratory for academic internships. Projects are also developed based on action-research practices where different organisations come together to co-create solutions for the city. This interaction has already resulted in several scientific articles, master thesis, publications, seminars, workshops and national and international applications, many within the framework of European territorial cooperation networks that value the action-research component and mutual learning between research, administration and society.

Expert opinion

Overcoming societal challenges, such as climate change and the energy transition, will require not only new technologies, but also new policies and business models, as well as new approaches to engage citizens and stakeholders. Bringing together different disciplines will be essential to developing innovative and impactful solutions to these challenges. This practice, providing a space for collaboration between different sectors and disciplines, is a good practice for developing new approaches. Other regions can learn from the practice by recognising the need to bring together different disciplines and encourage synergy between academia, government, and the private sector. At the same time, the practice gives real-world experience to students, helping them to gain experience and make greater impact.

Simon Hunkin

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

The Laboratory is based in partnerships with universities, hosting internships in different fields (e.g. sociology, architecture, geography), mentoring PhD and Master's students. In addition the laboratory is financed through municipal funds resulting from national and international applications.

Evidence of success

The practice is good because it promotes the transfer of knowledge through the establishment of synergies with academic institutions and through the opportunity to give technical support to the knowledge that is produced in universities through the implementation of political, urban planning and environmental measures, among many others. Since 2019, the Laboratory received around 60 researchers from different fields and projects: Schoolbus, reallocation of public space, smart crossing.

Potential for learning or transfer

The Laboratory stands out as an innovative and potentially inspiring initiative for other regions, thanks to its interdisciplinary approach and the articulation between higher education institutions, administration and society. This interaction promotes mutual learning and boosts social innovation applied to the territory. The Laboratory plays a key role in raising funds, especially for initiatives dedicated to empowering and raising awareness in society, based on social innovation practices. This contribution reinforces its strategic relevance in formulating urban policies based on scientific knowledge. In this context, it has organised various technical and scientific events, published articles and books that consolidate its role in disseminating good practices. Its participatory and action-research orientated approach can act as a model for other regions seeking innovative urban solutions, promoting greater interaction between higher education, technicians and citizens.