When we talk about the energy transition, the conversation often focuses on infrastructure, data, and technical innovation. But technology alone does not deliver change. What really determines success is whether people, institutions, and organisations are able to work together around a shared mission.
This is exactly the challenge addressed by the EU-funded NEUTRALPATH project, which aims to demonstrate Positive Clean Energy Districts (PCEDs) across Europe. PCEDs go beyond energy efficiency. They are districts that produce more clean energy than they consume, while actively involving local communities in the process.
Living Labs as engines of local innovation
As part of NEUTRALPATH, Living Labs were established in five European cities: Dresden, Zaragoza, Istanbul, Ghent, and Vantaa. These Living Labs act as real-world environments where citizens, businesses, researchers, and public authorities collaborate to co-create and test clean energy solutions tailored to local contexts.
Each city faces different challenges, priorities, and constraints. Living Labs make it possible to respond to those differences rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions.
But there is a catch.
Bringing together such a diverse group of stakeholders requires far more than good intentions.
Why governance makes or breaks Living Labs
Without a clear governance model, Living Labs risk becoming talking shops. Roles become blurred, decision-making slows down, and responsibility is diffused. When businesses, researchers, citizens, and municipalities are all involved, coordination is not optional. It is foundational.
That is why governance was identified as a critical success factor within NEUTRALPATH.
To address this, we designed a Governance Model Guide to support cities and stakeholders in setting up mission-oriented governance structures for their Living Labs. The guide helps clarify who does what, how decisions are made, and how the Lab’s mission and vision are translated into concrete actions.
From stakeholder mapping to shared roadmaps
The Governance Model Guide provides practical guidance on:
- identifying and mapping key stakeholders,
- designing inclusive governance structures,
- defining clear roles and responsibilities,
- and developing roadmaps that align long-term goals with day-to-day operations.
The emphasis throughout is on participation and accountability. Governance should not sit above communities. It should enable them to actively shape their own energy future.
The result: citizen-centred energy innovation
The outcome is governance models that put citizens at the centre, while aligning the efforts of cities, businesses, and researchers. These models create the conditions for experimentation, learning, and innovation, while keeping everyone focused on a shared mission.
In short, they turn ambitious climate goals into something that can actually be delivered on the ground.
Learn more
You can explore and download our “short and sweet” Governance Model Guide here:
👉 Download here
And if you’re new to the concept: a Living Lab is a real-world setting where communities, companies, and researchers work together to design, test, and refine solutions to local challenges. In the context of NEUTRALPATH, it’s where the energy transition becomes tangible, collaborative, and human.
.png)
.png)
