European Network of Policy Labs

Innovate.city is an initiative from the European Innovation Partnership for Smart Cities and Communities (EIP-SCC) that aims to build a network of Policy Labs to help to convert data into insights and drive more evidence-based policymaking and service delivery while engaging society into a co-creation ecosystem.

From the learnings of existing labs, this is a new generation of Policy Labs created for cities to thrive via progressive policymaking!

Design-centred but with the digital scale.

To define what should a Policy Lab be, we used the model of Citizen Design Thinking.

Citizens don't want policy design workshops by invitation only. They expect a public co-creation platform (not just an event) where they are socially engaged to contribute.

A Policy Lab should be a structure and not a project. A physical and Digital structure open to all communities to organise and co-create policy proposals to elected bodies.
Policy Prosumers

Most of the challenges come from changes that cut across sectoral boundaries. Silo experts as policymakers (from specific sectors like energy, communications and transport) are no longer efficient.

But the knowledge from the crowd is!

From the convergence of Information Technologies and Communications emerged a new society of Prosumers (simultaneously ) producers and consumers of policies. A policy Lab must be the point of connection between the Prosumers and the policy challenges.
The city as a Policy Lab

A Policy Lab must be close to citizens and have a direct and immediate impact on the liveability and wellbeing of the target communities. Otherwise, citizens won't be so enthusiastically engaged, and the reaction will be too slow either on adopting and refining any policy.

Cities are the perfect positioning for a Policy Lab and are also the future competitive landscape. Leading the future via proper Policymaking is the goal of this network of Policy Labs.
Innovative ecosystems to thriving cities

Above all, a Policy Lab is the convergence point for turning emerging challenges into prosperous opportunities. Beyond policy design towards an opportunity design for the local community!

From design to execution, the Policy Lab allows the creation of testbeds or gradual implementation of the defined plan.
EU cohesion in policymaking

We, at the EIP, have re-engineered the Policy Labs to deliver a turnkey solution (standardized methodologies and tools) that will give the necessary muscle to existing urban labs to prosper. As a network with common standards and constant share of knowledge and best practices, we are boosting EU Cohesion in policymaking and prosperity.

Policy Lab as a structure

for progress rather than an initiative or project.

eDemocracy in Policy Lab

Perfect if you run your own start-up, product or service. Boxify can showcase your business converting your visits to income.

Policy Lab as a testbed

for emerging technologies and new Business Models.

Be a pioneer city policy lab!

We've just launched innovate.city! Program's first phase is a pilot program in pioneering cities. The Pioneer cities will define most of the processes, have access to tools and services for free or at a lower cost, will be the first to apply for funding and will lead the Network of City Policy Labs.

More about the onboarding program...

let’s get it started

Our goal is to create a European Network of Policy Labs to develop an urban structure for the participatory policymaking that will become the engine of the city's progress strategy.