Living Labs as a Catalyst for Collective Action: Insights & Reflections from the Global Stage

Description: Living Labs are transformative hubs driving collaborative solutions across diverse sectors and place-based challenges. This session explores the diverse approaches of Living Labs globally, tracing their historical roots and future pathways. We'll delve into international case studies from Europe and North America, alongside innovative Australian projects like those from Monash University. Sam Rye, who leads Monash’s Living Lab initiatives, will share his extensive experience and insights.

The session includes a presentation followed by a group discussion and Q&A

About Our Guest Presenter: Sam Rye has dedicated over 15 years to pioneering social and environmental change across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. His work spans biodiversity, disaster response, community resilience, local food systems, mental health, climate action, and more.

Sam’s diverse skill set includes social innovation, communications, experience design, strategy, research, technology, partnerships, and strategic design. At Monash University, he leads the development of a comprehensive Living Lab infrastructure and provides strategic advice to initiatives like MSDI's Net Zero Precincts.

Sam is a key player in global communities of practice, with contributions to the UNDP Strategic Innovation Unit, OECD Mission Action Lab, Wasan Network, UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, Open Living Lab Days, Centre For Public Impact, Future of Labs Gathering, Kumu, and The Changemakers Podcast. Explore his reflections in Fieldnote form here.