Coimbra-led CoP Sets Roadmap for International Human Smart Living Lab Network

The Urban Cooperation Action Plan (UCAP) for the Community of Practice focusing on the International Human Smart Living Lab Network has been approved, providing a clear roadmap for the member cities of Coimbra (CoP 11 coordinator), Cork, Adelaide, Christchurch and Jeonju to progress cooperation activities and study visits under the IURC.

The CoP – coordinated by Coimbra – aims to bridge the gap between strategic planning and implementation by co‑designing, testing and scaling a common Human Smart Living Lab (HSLL) methodology for people‑centred urban innovation, focusing on river/green corridor regeneration, nature‑based solutions, citizen participation and digital collaboration.

Key goals

• Co‑design and validate a shared HSLL framework covering agenda setting, co‑creation, pilot implementation, evaluation, scaling, governance and KPIs.
• Develop and demonstrate a shared digital Communication & Collaboration Platform (HSLL Network Hub) to store documentation, enable collaboration, and make lessons transferable.
• Run local citizen‑led micro‑pilots (“My City, My Lab”) in each city to test approaches and generate comparable evidence.
• Institutionalise multi‑stakeholder engagement using a Quintuple Helix model (local authorities, academia, industry, civil society, environment).
• Prepare joint applications to larger funding (e.g., Horizon Europe) for long‑term sustainability.

Planned activities and timeline (2026–2027)

• April 2026–July 2027: Co‑design deep‑dives to produce the HSLL common methodology.
• May–July 2026: Joint citizen/stakeholder engagement including a five‑city survey to create baseline HSLL indicators.
• Sept–Nov 2026: Study visits (Coimbra and Christchurch, with optional visits to Adelaide and Jeonju) and a knowledge exchange conference—Coimbra visit includes a multi‑stakeholder conference in Sept 2026.
• Oct 2026–June 2027: Local micro‑pilots implemented in each city, with monitoring templates and case studies.
• 2026–2027: Conceptual co‑design and setup of the HSLL Network Hub.
• Early Oct 2026: Optional Jeonju study visit (4 days) to test and refine the methodology.
• June 2026: Non‑binding Letter of Intent signing (Singapore event); 
• Oct 2027: Memorandum of Cooperation (MoU) planned for formal long‑term commitment.
• Mar 2026–2027: Prepare consortium and proposals for competitive EU funding.

Roles and contributions

• Each city leads specific activities (e.g., Coimbra leads methodology, Jeonju leads citizen survey, Christchurch leads micro‑pilots, Cork leads digital platform, Adelaide leads conference).
• Cities provide in‑kind contributions (staff time, local facilitation), academic partners offer methodological support, and community groups drive participation.

Expected outputs

• HSLL Framework & Methodology document, workshop summaries, comparative matrices, citizen survey toolkit and analysis, local micro‑pilot reports, conference proceedings, Network Hub prototype, signed Letter of Intent and MoU, and consolidated materials to support future funding proposals.