Report on establishment of the network of municipalities, heritage sites and museums participating at the Living Lab
Creators: name: BOFA
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024

description: This document provides a comprehensive overview of the Hephæstus project's goal and related actions to establish a network of municipalities, heritage sites, and museums participating in the Green Living Lab – one of the key outputs of the Hephaestus project. On this premise, the document focuses on the Living Lab principles, the context of Bornholm, and the Hephaestus project craft ecosystems. 

The Hephæstus project, initiated in 2023, aims to establish a Living Lab in Bornholm, Denmark, integrating sustainable craft and circular economy principles with practical experiments on new craft-related products, services, and technologies. The document outlines the EU context, the project's objectives, and the relevance of Living Labs to promote circular economy in the European craft sector. 

Bornholm, a Danish island with a population of 39,000 constitutes a rich craft ecosystem. BOFA, the waste management authority, aligns with Bornholm's vision to become waste-free by 2032. The craft community, designated as a World Craft Region, has experienced growth, collaboration, and economic benefits. 

Living Labs are defined as temporary arenas designed for user and stakeholder engagement in ongoing innovative development projects. The document elaborates on the five essential principles of Living Labs and their iterative life cycle. It also highlights BOFA's past experience with Living Labs, specifically in the Wasteman project, focusing on sustainable waste systems. 

The document outlines some of the key activities undertaken within the Hephaestus project to establish the network of municipalities, heritage sites and museums participating at the Living Lab, namely: 



Stakeholder Analysis: A thorough analysis of Bornholm's craft ecosystem stakeholders is presented, outlining their positions and relationships concerning the Hephæstus project. 

Risk Analysis: Potential challenges and preventive actions are identified, covering aspects like collaboration issues, stakeholder interest, and craft makers' involvement. 



Communication: Various communication strategies, including online and offline channels, have been implemented to inform and engage stakeholders. 

Activities for the First 6 Months: The document details the initial steps, including the call for craft ambassadors, kick-off events in Venice and Bassano del Grappa, and a stakeholder event on Bornholm

The Established Network Towards the Living Lab: The Maker's Island Secretariat plays a pivotal role in maintaining the craft ecosystem network. Continuous meetings and collaboration are emphasized for success. 

Future Expansion of the Network: The Living Lab's envisioned expansion includes both Bornholm's craft ecosystem and collaboration within the Hephæstus consortium, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange. 

Future activities are outlined to develop the Living Lab, expand the network, and achieve project objectives, emphasizing collaboration between ecosystems and consortium partners. 

Envisioned challenges include mobilizing the well-established craft ecosystem, addressing concerns about project utilization, and avoiding a top-down approach. Careful interaction with stakeholders is crucial to overcoming resistance.