On day 1 and 2 of the Living Lab methods training, a workshop was held by Professor Dr Monika Gonser. Professor Gonser is a sociologist and director of the Intersectoral School of Governance Baden-Württemberg and an expert on transdisciplinarity in theory and practice. Her workshop covered the basics of transdisciplinary research (TDR) and practice, as well as an introduction to the main methods of Living Lab research. TD research refers to a scientific approach that involves collaboration and co-creation of knowledge and solutions with practitioners. Living Labs are a specific method of TDR.

The workshop also included a brief introduction to the concept of complexity, which underlies many of the issues being explored in Living Labs. Complexity also plays a role due to the large number of stakeholders involved in Living Labs, each with their own different perspectives. The introduction to methods such as ‘theory of change’ and backwards mapping was accompanied by practical exercises.

This workshop was part of a programme, focused on promoting German-Central Asian living lab projects. It was jointly organised by SPCE Hub, ISoG BW, and Hochschule Karlsruhe – University of Applied Sciences. The programme was financed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds from the German Foreign Federal Office.