Test Case Workshop

In this phase, promising ideas and combined solutions are translated into simple and affordable prototypes. These early versions make it possible to test ideas in real-life settings and gather meaningful feedback from those who will ultimately use, support, or be affected by them, such as farmers, food businesses, researchers, investors, public authorities, and Living Lab practitioners.

The Test Case Workshops are organised around thematic focus areas that reflect key challenges identified during earlier project activities and study visits. In Lemgo, the workshops focus in particular on:

• Data management and digital twins, exploring how data can be transformed into actionable information for food and agri-food innovation
• Food innovation and investments in Living Labs, addressing questions around knowledge transfer, acceptance, regulatory conditions, and sustainable financing models

Each workshop follows a hands-on and interactive format. After short prototype pitches, participants are introduced to a concrete Test Case linked to a real innovation barrier. Together, they then “play through” the Test Case using participatory methods such as role-playing, testing cards, or facilitated simulation exercises. Reflections are captured collectively, focusing on what works well, what needs further development, and which open questions remain.

By working with tangible Test Cases, the workshops help make innovation barriers more visible and easier to discuss across different perspectives. This collective analysis supports the identification of supportive framework conditions, practical guidelines, and measures that can help innovations move from experimentation to real-world application.