Insights from Living Labs addressing Land-related Issues in the Context of Climate and Biodiversity Challenges

Conducting Living Lab (LL) research on Land-related issues, considering the challenges of climate change and biodiversity, requires structured efforts and clear guidelines. The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of key enablers and barriers associated with the LL approaches, in addressing land-related aspects, as a potential guide for both researchers and practitioners undertaking future initiatives. As a result, a systematic review was conducted, identifying an initial sample of 769 papers, of which 62 were selected for in-depth content analysis. The analysis focused on theoretical frameworks, participatory methods and key lessons learned from previous LL initiatives. The results reveal a complex and diverse literature landscape, covering the organizational frameworks for setting-up LL initiatives, along with systemic approaches, such as agroecology or sustainability. Despite the growing interest in performing LL research, the findings reveal limited assessment of their performance and the replicability of the results. Furthermore, there is no single approach that fits all contexts due to the complexity of the topic and local specificities. The study also identifies some practical examples of common lessons emerging from previous LLs that should be considered in future initiatives. Among them, the need for systematic stakeholder mapping and recruitment, the importance of early stakeholder involvement, a clear attribution of stakeholders' roles, and a clear definition on the form of engagement, interests, needs and expectations. These findings enhance understanding of LLs benefits and highlight the need for more consistent reflection on lessons learned in scientific publications, thereby supporting their transferability to future initiatives.