Living Labs for Innovation in Agriculture: Where Does the Approach Go From Here?

Abstract

In this open letter, we examine the recent surge of international attention and implementation for living labs for innovation in agriculture, particularly those ultimately aiming to address complex agri-environmental issues or foster system-level transformations with agroecology. We recognize the first International Forum on Agroecosystem Living Labs as a key milestone in the conceptual development of the approach and in the exchange of implementation experiences from around the world. As the community prepares for the upcoming 2nd International Forum in October 2025, we take this opportunity to propose some key questions for discussion in the hopes that we may build on what has been accomplished so far, recognize remaining challenges, and chart a path forward together, as an international community.