EU-delegation prepared the launch of the Living Labs network in Helsinki

In connection with the forthcoming Finnish EU-presidency an eminent delegation from the EU Commission became acquainted with the preparations for launching the European Network of Living Labs.

The Living Labs Network theme gathered over 50 European participants from. e.g. Sweden, Germany and Portugal on 3-5 May in Helsinki. The event focused on the preparatory work of launching of the Living Labs network. On Wednesday participants visited the Arabianranta,  a Living Lab at the Helsinki Virtual Village. Thursday's venue was the High Tech Center (HTC) in Ruoholahti, where the actual seminar and workshops took place. In the presentations speakers from the EU Commission, and companies like IBM, SAP and Nokia highlighted the importance of forthcoming network. On Friday the delegation participated in the preparations for the launching of the Living Labs network. During the meeting e.g. the outcome of the Hampton Court Report (Creating an Innovative Europe) was discussed.

Different European actors collaborate in preparing the Living Labs -network. Next preparatory event will be held on 24 October in Helsinki. The Living Labs Network will be launched as part of the official programme of Finland's EU Presidency on 20 November 2006.

Seminar Presentations:

For more information about the seminar and Network of Living Labs:
Center for Knowledge and Innovation Research (CKIR) at Helsinki School of Economics:
Dr. Seija Kulkki, Director
Heli Penttinen, Project Manager email: givenname.surname@hse.fi

Links:
The launch of a European Network of Living Labs - Co-creation of innovation in public, private and civic partnership
(Press release 8.2.2006, Source of information: Government Communications Unit)
Aho Group Report "Creating an Innovative Europe"