A city in transition – new forms of participation

How can urban development become more participatory, connected and future-oriented – in such a way that citizens, science, administration and politics work together on it? This was precisely the question posed by a team of students from the HPI d-school – who set out to develop a concept for an open innovation lab for the city of Potsdam. The team named the concept the “Local Lab Potsdam”. As part of the Smart City Potsdam project, the concept was implemented as the POTSDAM LAB and is now available to all interest groups in the center of the city.

The city of Potsdam is facing increasing pressure. Climate change, a growing demand for living space, changes in mobility, and shifts within the administration present the city with enormous challenges. At the same time, Potsdam benefits from a strong scientific network and a citizenry that sees itself as actively helping to shape their city's future. What was missing, however, was a dedicated space to bring together the various actors – for new ideas, experiments, and real participation. In close cooperation with the city and the association proWissen Potsdam e.V., the team set out to develop a concept for such an urban innovation lab – interdisciplinary, open and impact-oriented.

The team began with intensive research: What do existing innovation labs look like? Which formats work? In discussions with citizens, the administration, politicians and scientists, it became clear that the key to real innovation lies in cooperation at eye level – and in the creation of a physical place where this cooperation can take place. The vision of the Local Lab Potsdam was born out of these insights: a space in the middle of the city where students, researchers, creatives, administrative staff and citizens work together on specific challenges. Projects can be initiated by the city as well as by the population – for example, on topics such as urban planning, climate adaptation or digital administration. Particularly inspiring: the idea that the city sees itself in a continuous learning process – and the lab becomes a catalyst.

The concept of the Local Lab Potsdam was the basis for the later implementation of the real POTSDAM LAB, which was opened as part of the Smart City initiative. Today, it serves as a platform for open urban development, participation and knowledge transfer – right in the center of Potsdam.

Here, citizens, administrators and scientists can work together on issues and thus enter into a creative and collaborative exchange to shape the city of tomorrow.