The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of the top universities in Germany. The university’s Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) is one of the beacons of Living Lab research in Germany, and has been instrumental in developing the concept and methods, and generating support from the research community and policy makers.

Dr Volker Stelzer, a senior researcher at ITAS, presented the institute’s engagement, which covers a wide range of topics. One of the living labs looked at how to address the skills shortage in the solar industry, which is threatening the rapid expansion of solar energy. In particular, the lab explored whether and to what extent lay people and volunteers can be involved in the construction of solar energy systems. Another Living Lab looked at how public and company canteens can make their menus healthier and more environmentally friendly. The presentation by Dr Stelzer was followed by a simulation in which the Central Asian experts were able to apply and test various Living Lab methods.