Living Labs for Digital and Social Innovation in Care

This best practice showcases the creation of two Living Labs in Croatia that connect innovators with end users in elderly and disability care. It’s worth sharing as a scalable model that promotes co-creation of tech and social solutions to modernize care systems.

Process presentation

Two Living Labs were established in 2023—one in rural Međimurje County, the other on the island of Lastovo—within care institutions. They engage social service providers, tech innovators, and community members to test and co-develop new solutions. ACT Group coordinated the process, supporting capacity-building and knowledge exchange among stakeholders.

Involved partners

ACT Group, Home Assistance Center of Međimurje County, Association VAL Lastovo, local care providers, tech innovators, EU-funded partners.

Impact

Around 15 innovations are currently being tested, mainly technological. The labs foster collaboration between sectors, improving service quality and access for elderly and disabled citizens, while also supporting social innovation and sustainable care models.

Next steps

The model is being refined for replication in other regions and expanded to include more social innovations and partnerships.