-
Thun LIVING LAB
RESULTS
A Community-Driven Model for Sustainability
The Thun Living Lab, launched in 2023 in the district of Thun, Switzerland, is a pioneering initiative designed to bring together science, public administration, businesses, and citizens to co-create climate-friendly solutions. Rooted in collaboration, the lab focuses on testing innovative business and cooperation models through pilot projects aimed at addressing local climate challenges. One notable initiative, “Netzwerk Zirkulär,” seeks to advance circular economy principles in the construction sector, demonstrating the lab’s commitment to sustainable development.
A Collaborative Approach to Energy and Climate planning
Thun’s Living Lab adopts a structured open innovation process to identify, develop, and implement impactful projects. The lab utilizes tools like stakeholder mapping, design-thinking sprints, and online platforms such as “Decidim” to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
Collaborations with organizations like the Wyss Academy for Nature, the Canton of Bern, and the University of Bern have been instrumental in providing financial and technical support, while public participation events have aligned community efforts with Thun’s broader energy and climate strategy. Key partners, spanning public and private sectors, have enhanced the lab’s capacity to foster meaningful innovation.
Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Influence
The Thun Living Lab has addressed significant challenges, including siloed administrative practices and the rigidity of traditional waterfall management systems. By embracing agile methodologies and fostering cross-departmental collaboration, the lab has successfully broken down barriers to cooperation. The integration of diverse stakeholders—ranging from research institutions to local businesses—has enabled the lab to create scalable solutions that can be adapted by other cities. This regional and cross-border applicability underscores Thun’s role as a leader in climate innovation.
Key Achievements and Lessons Learned
The Living Lab’s achievements include:
- Successful Pilots: The launch of three experiments under the “Netzwerk Zirkulär” project, focusing on circular economy practices in construction, education, and building material trade.
- Innovative Governance: Adoption of participatory governance models, including public jury processes to evaluate and select pilot projects.
- Community Engagement: Hosting public participation events to align local actions with Thun’s energy and climate objectives.
Lessons learned emphasize the importance of involving high-level decision-makers early in the process, balancing traditional management approaches with innovative methodologies, and embracing public participation to foster inclusivity and trust. These insights provide valuable guidance for future Living Labs.
FUTURE PLANS FOR Thun LIVING LAB
Thun Living Lab plans to expand the “Netzwerk Zirkulär” project into additional industries, promoting a circular economy model that other cities can emulate.
It aims to strengthen regional collaboration by creating a network of Living Labs with neighboring municipalities. Establishing a digital innovation platform, including a “Digital Twin” of city infrastructure, will enhance decarbonization strategies and real-time collaboration.
The lab will broaden stakeholder engagement through public workshops and thematic groups, implement educational programs on climate literacy in schools and community centers, and seek national and European funding to support its initiatives.
By continuously refining Thun’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) and expanding pilot projects in sustainable mobility, energy-efficient building retrofits, and renewable energy networks, the lab emphasizes continuous learning through partnerships with academic institutions to facilitate innovation in sustainability.
“In Living Labs people work together using agile methods. Simultaneously, many divisions within public administrations are rather used to waterfall project management.
This can make it hard to even consider a collaboration with other divisions. In the end one has to be flexible using the resources that are available.”
Claudio Kummli, City of Thun
