On December 7, 2023, the 5th KoMet Day was held on the topic of “Transformative Science – What Role Do Real-World Laboratories Play?”This year’s event was organized by the two KoMet researchers Petra Schweizer-Ries (Bochum University of Applied Sciences) and Renée Tribble (TU Dortmund) jointly undertaken.
Regarding the announced content: Urban and metropolitan research is increasingly examining and monitoring the diverse, complex processes of urban transformation in so-called “real-world laboratories”—a term that has now become something of a buzzword. The real-world laboratory approach explores innovative avenues for transformative and collaborative urban and planning research while simultaneously testing out changes: Actors from different sectors (academia, civil society, administration, politics, business, and intermediary actors) ideally collaborate on an equal footing in real-world laboratories, intervening and experimenting in real-world spaces to generate results that are both scientifically and practically relevant. In this way, real-world laboratories can actively contribute to the transformation of cities and metropolitan areas.
At the 2023 KoMet Day, the concept of the “real-world laboratory” was to be refined, but also scrutinized and defined from various perspectives. The 2023 KoMet Day focused on the following questions: Who are researchers, and who are co-researchers? In the spirit of a collaborative research approach—such as participatory action research—can all steps, from formulating the research question to evaluation, actually be developed and carried out in co-research formats? At the same time, real-world labs in the city are not labs in the scientific sense, but are unique in terms of location, time, knowledge, and individual participants. Unlike experiments in laboratories, it is not possible to return to the initial state, as changes in experiential knowledge are always generated, triggering an internal transition. In light of this, should we even speak of “laboratories”? What understanding is needed for real-world laboratories as transformative science?
The planned format for the 2023 KoMet Day was as follows:
We were able to secure three keynote speakers: Constanze Kernbach, Prof. Dr. Daniel J. Lang, and Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Rudolf Scheuvens.
Discussions took place primarily in small groups at thematic tables, and opportunities for collaborative activities were provided.
At each thematic table, subject-matter content was presented by selected experts, who were chosen to represent diverse professional backgrounds whenever possible.
In addition, the thematic tables were facilitated by external moderators with experience in change processes.
The following tables have been set up:
- Real-world testing grounds in practice Sustainable Transformation Through Social Innovation A Catalyst for Transformation? – Real-World Labs and the Mobility Transition, as well as Business Models for Shared Mobility (GenoMobil Real-World Lab) The University as a Real-World Laboratory – Next-Generation Expertise and Knowledge Transfer How Can Collaboration Succeed During Transformation? Engaging Stakeholders and Formats for Cooperation in Local Contexts Real-world laboratories as a tool for transforming vocational rehabilitation Regions as real-world laboratories for climate neutrality? The EU project TRANSFORMER invites reflection and discussion
More information about all KoMet Days you can find HERE.
This event was supported by the Emschergenossenschaft and NRW.BANK. Thank you very much!
