LIVING LAB

A HUB FOR INNOVATION

Living Labs are user-centred, open innovation ecosystems. These are based on a co-creation approach that integrates research and innovation in real-life communities and settings. Lesvos as a Living Lab offers the ideal conditions due to its geographical boundaries, diverse communities and stakeholders, clear ownership and current challenges.

There are countless projects and initiatives here that can be defined to help heal Lesvos. These opportunities range from huge multi-year projects that require R&D, organisation and funding, to small localised initiatives that can solidify the business model of local companies. We have identified six major themes.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Bio-Gas as an alternative sustainable energy source extracted from waste could help bring the island closer to being self-sufficient. Dutch entrepreneur and sustainable energy developer, Philip Troost, who specialises in converting waste into high quality organic fertiliser and bio-gas, has already implemented this in the Dutch urban environment as an alternative energy source.

NEW FORMS OF TOURISM

Introducing new forms of leisure like research-academic, agro, medical, eco and retirement tourism, as well as extreme sport events (kite boarding or mountain biking) and volunteerism. Current collaborations with Lesvos Scuba Oceanic Center, Green2Sustain, local businesses and tourism representatives on Lesvos, like Birds Bay, the Regional Tourism Association of Molyvos-Petra and key international players like ACTAI, TU Delft and tour operators.

USE OF VACANT PROPERTIES

Countless square metres of real estate on Lesvos are empty. Vacant buildings drain the area of life, interaction and economy. Can Lesvos maybe learn from the approach of Dutch cities like Rotterdam which currently runs a Living Lab called Test Site to help them test alternative forms of funding and planning to overcome these issues?

OCEAN CLEAN UP

Plastic waste continues to be a big problem in the Mediterranean, even in areas that have not been impacted as drastically as Lesvos by the recent economic and humanitarian crisis. We’re cleaning up our island by recycling the plastic waste in the water and harbours around Lesvos. Could we invite Dutch architect Ramon Knoester to share his expertise?

DIGITAL NOMADS LESVOS

Digital Nomads Lesvos (DNL) has attracted independent digital nomads, indies, and remote workers who are looking for an environment where co-working, island life, social involvement, and the opportunity to help an island struggling with many challenges come together. In 2018, remote working group Hacker Paradise used this co-living/co-working space and got involved with various Hope Spot activities.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

Working with the Aegean University, we’re bringing Healing Lesvos to the academic world. For a set period of time, students learn about sustainable development, social issues, entrepreneurship, and the links between them. These projects are initiated by students, NGOs and entrepreneurs facing development-related issues that need to be tackled in an international setting.

There are several different projects and initiatives open, some already underway and others not yet started.  And of course, you bring along your own set of skills, knowledge and interests (and, let’s not forget your time limits). That means there are many opportunities and elements where your participation and contribution will help Lesvos achieve enduring impact and sustainability.

We continuously strive for more clarity and structure as the ground situation changes and develops, as well as resources and funding for the Healing Lesvos program. As we progress you can find updates on ongoing projects here, but for now simply shoot us a message if you’re interested in participating and together we’ll figure out a way to create a win-win collaboration and situation.