Fieldlabs serve as platforms where knowledge institutions, companies, and regional organizations experiment with new solutions to social problems. Despite their potential, innovations emerging from fieldlabs often face challenging in scaling and demonstrating their social impact capacity.
The Fieldlab@Scale project, led by Hans Berends from the KIN Center for Digital Innovation, involves an interdisciplinary consortium researching the scaling up of mission-driven innovations across four domains: agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, and smart industry, spanning various regions in the Netherlands. The research is a collaboration of four universities — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Twente, and Tilburg University.
At a recent consortium meeting, participants gathered to to learn from each other about the different variables affecting the success of scaling up fieldlabs. The session included presentations from researchers and fieldlabs representatives, along with a visit to two fieldlabs at Saxion University of Applied Sciences: the Saxion Climate Square, which underscored the significance of student involvement, and the Smart Tiny Lab, where ongoing construction-related setups and testing methods were showcased. Throughout the visits, the team explored crucial success factors such as securing financing, engaging suitable partners, and building trust.
Following presentations by Leentje Volker from the University of Twente and Hans Hilbrands, director of Pioneering, on the project goals and a blueprint for future fieldlabs, Seirgei Miller introduced ASPARi. This fieldlab collaborates with major contractors and public clients to enhance the sustainability of asphalt construction in the Netherlands. Their focus includes improving construction methods, integrating SMART technologies, and promoting collaboration. Similarly, Leon Olde Scholtenhuis presented ZoARG, dedicated to minimizing excavation damage through innovative technologies and partnerships with stakeholders. ZoARG employs strategies such as test trench toolkits and advanced 3D visualization techniques to predict risks and prevent excavation damage. Both fieldlabs emphasized the importance of collaboration and the development of innovative technologies to address industry challenges.
Read more about the meeting on the Fieldlabs@Scale website.
