Pieter de Vos’ Post

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to Hollyhock on Cortes Island, BC, for the Future of Labs gathering, convened by Action Lab and Social Innovation Canada. This event brought together social innovation lab practitioners and enablers from across Canada and around the world, providing a unique opportunity to explore the value and future impact of social innovation labs in a world where problems are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected. One quote by Donella Meadows, a renowned environmental scientist and systems thinker, deeply resonated with me: “The future can’t be predicted, but it can be envisioned and brought lovingly into being... We can listen to what the system tells us and discover how its properties and our values can work together to bring forth something much better than could ever be produced by our will alone.” This quote, from a book I've been reading called Doughnut Economics, was on my heart as I went to the gathering. For me, it encapsulates the essence of what Labs strive to achieve – shaping the future through thoughtful design and redesign of systems. Throughout the gathering, we explored the purpose of social innovation labs and ways to align and enhance their future impact. The conversations illuminated how Labs are uniquely positioned to shape and influence dynamic, often unpredictable systems because of their flexible and adaptable approaches. Unlike most initiatives that adopt a standardized, ultimate efficiency approach to change, innovation labs offer choices and tailor approaches to unique challenges. This flexibility is essential, reminding me that patience and persistence are key. We must hold the line, even when progress seems slow. Listening to others share their experiences, I realized just how crucial human relationships are in driving understanding and meaningful change. It became clear that at the heart of Labs are the connections between people that truly make the magic happen. Labs can’t be everything to everyone, and that’s okay. What’s important is that we hold space and meet the specific needs of the communities we serve. By focusing on what our communities truly need, we can foster environments where innovation and collaboration can thrive. The Future of Labs gathering was a thought-provoking and inspiring experience. It reinforced the importance of our work with NouLAB and sparked new ideas that I’m excited to bring back to our team and community. As we continue to explore how we can leverage the power of Labs to drive positive change in the world, these reflections will guide and inspire our efforts. Curious about social innovation labs and our future work? Let’s chat!

Future of Labs gathering is picking up some steam with this collection of insights and questions. I particularly appreciate the framing of principles for engaging with each other in this ever-complexifying space: ** Let's think systemically and act relationally with kindness ** Let's hold space for intuition, questioning, and bold action ** Let's think inside the circle ** Let's strive for coherence rather than consensus All this and so much more! Many thanks to the convening team for preparing the ground.

Breaking Barriers, Shaping Tomorrow- Join the Journey of 25 Transformative Research Projects with AUTH Medical Physics & Digital Innovation Lab! DAY 5 - Introducing GILL GILL, coordinated by ENoLL, the largest network of Living Labs (LL), will develop a pan-European collaboration and learning hub based on the LL principles to become the open innovation framework for all European actors for open gendered innovation. The GILL “LL” will co-create sustainable mechanisms to increase gender responsive smart innovation and entrepreneurship (GRISE) by fixing practices and culture across the European ecosystems. GILL will focus on 4 macro-objectives: a) to enable the organisational and cultural changes, b) to enhance professional development, c) to increase the integration of gender and diversity into product design, technologies and innovation, and d) to allow gendered educational practices. In parallel, GILL actions will act along a matrix of horizontal spheres of innovation (individual & team, tools & methods, innovation & products, societal processes) and three vertical priorities (Health and resilience, Green & Digital transition). Learn More: https://lnkd.in/d6k5Nqa4

🌟 Calling #LivingLab researchers and practitioners! 🌟 Ready to share your expertise and contribute to driving real impact? Join us in exploring the "LIVING LAB FRONTIERS: Driving systemic change through Soci(et)al Engagement" at our upcoming #OpenLivingLab Days Conference. 🚀 🔍 Dive into 5 exciting tracks: 1️⃣ Living Labs for Grand Societal Challenges 2️⃣ Living Labs for Policies, Governance, Collaboration, and Innovation Ecosystems 3️⃣ Living Labs for Inclusive Soci(et)al Engagement 4️⃣ Living Labs for Business and Emerging Technology 5️⃣ Living Labs Operations, Methods, Tools, and Impacts Whether you have a groundbreaking case study, ongoing project, or innovative research, we want to hear from you! 📝 Submit your paper or proposal and be part of shaping the future of Living Labs. Let's exchange ideas and experiences: https://bit.ly/3Td7EYx💡 ENoLL (European Network of Living Labs) West University of Timisoara #OLLD24 #LivingLabs

Happy New Year! 🎉 We're back and buzzing with excitement to help propel our academics, labs, and hubs into a year of impactful translational research projects. Anticipating a 2024 brimming with research success stories and meaningful value creation for our partners, organisations, and society at large. Let's make it a year of transformative collaborations and shared achievements! 💡 #BusinessInsights #NewYear2024 #ResearchImpact

We are feeling incredibly inspired and energized after visiting the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard! Boston really is a hotbed for groundbreaking innovation, and we are fortunate enough to work with some of the leading biotech companies driving positive change in the world. Witnessing the groundbreaking research unfolding at the Broad Institute was a humbling experience. Their relentless pursuit to decode disease and translate it into life-saving therapies is nothing short of awe-inspiring. This, coupled with the collaborative spirit among Boston's vibrant biotech community, creates an electrifying ecosystem to be a part of. It's a constant reminder of the incredible potential technology holds to impact lives and redefine what's possible. This experience reminds us of the incredible impact technology can have on the world. It's not just about building software or managing networks; it's about empowering people to do amazing things. And in the case of biotech, it's about improving lives and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Feeling grateful to be a part of this vibrant community and excited to see what the future holds! #biotech #innovation #boston #broadinstitute #mit #harvard #grateful #makinganimpact

🌿 Exploring MINDS' Vision: Why it Matters 🌱 🧠 MINDS' Conference envisions a world where academia isn't just about individual achievement, but about fostering deep connections and collaboration. But why is this vision so important? 🌐 Academia often feels isolating despite surface-level communication through publications, presentations, and conferences. But true innovation thrives on collaboration and support. MINDS seeks to bridge this gap by fostering connections. 🤝 Deep-rooted connections in academia are crucial. They lead to cross-disciplinary collaborations, enriching research, and supportive environments where everyone can thrive. 🌳 Drawing inspiration from nature, particularly "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben, we find incredible parallels. Trees, though individual, thrive on connections. Can academia do the same? 🌿 Trees communicate, share resources, and support each other through interconnected roots. Similarly, academia can benefit from fostering a network where knowledge flows freely, aiding growth and resilience. 💡 Perhaps it's time to shift our thinking. Instead of isolated pursuits, let's cultivate a culture of collaboration and support, just like the interconnected trees in a forest. MINDS' vision offers a blueprint for a more vibrant academic ecosystem.

IEEE Returning Mothers Conference 2023 Rediscovering the lost talents through Opportunities, Wellness, & Recognition Ideathon and Pitchfest presents Ideathons don’t just guarantee innovation; they guarantee innovation at speed with precision in accordance with the need of the hour of business. They offer exceptional agility.”   The “Ideathon & Pitchfest” (I & P), initiated by the IEEE RMC, is a collective platform of experts, mentors, investors, and idea owners. The I & P challenges innovative minds to present their ingenious ideas. In this platform, the participants will get hands-on experience & mentoring in converting their innovative ideas to commercially viable product(s) or service(s).   So why wait? Come and Experience an excellent Vistadome journey of converting ideas into products. Topics Smart Education Wellness & Health Care Diversification of Culture & Heritage Assets or Financial Management Smart Cities Agriculture Open Innovation https://lnkd.in/ggF6C5Rs referal id: 23RMC13 Soumya M

During the second webinar of our Community-Driven Innovation: Shifting Power, Solving Problems series, speakers highlighted their experiences participating in the 2023 Makers Residency Cohort and how the process helped their community create an impactful solution. Missed it? Recordings in both English and Spanish can be found here:https://bit.ly/48HXMM0

Do traditional paths of discovery and innovation need a reboot? 🔄 In January 2023, the prestigious scientific journal Nature published its report on the slowdown in scientific innovation, evidenced by a decrease in both disruptive patents and papers. This study underscores the crucial need for fresh, innovative approaches and tools to reignite breakthrough thinking to meet the many challenges humanity faces. 📉 What does this mean for our future? As we stand at the crossroads of progress and stagnation, the need for radical, innovative thinking has never been more pressing. It's a wake-up call for the scientific community and innovators worldwide. We need to rethink our approach to discovery and problem-solving. 💭✨ At the Center for MINDS, we're taking this challenge head-on. We believe the key lies in unconventional methods and fresh perspectives. How can we harness the untapped potential of our minds and the world around us to spark a new era of breakthroughs? 🧠🚀 Join us in this vital conversation. What are your thoughts on reinvigorating scientific innovation? How can we, as a global community, overcome this innovation slowdown to unlock a brighter future for all? Share your ideas, and let's ignite a movement of change. 🔥🌍 #MindfulInnovation #ScientificInnovation #FutureThinking #CenterForMINDS #PsychedelicScience #PsychedelicInnovation #Psychedelic #Research #Innovation #Creativity #ProblemSolving #PsychedelicResearch