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Author: David Corado

es intérprete de conferencias, traductor e investigador predoctoral en el programa de Lenguas, Textos y Contextos de la Universidad de Granada. Se ha formado en instituciones como la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona y la Universitat Jaume I. Actualmente cuenta con un contrato de investigación FPU UGR–Santander y es miembro de Medialab UGR, donde participa en proyectos como ENGAGEgreen y #YoSigoUGR. Actualmente compagina su labor docente e investigadora con la interpretación profesional de conferencias, colaborando de forma voluntaria con organizaciones, asociaciones y entidades sin ánimo de lucro.

How to Advertise Policy Dialogue Formats

Communication and Dissemination Strategies through Medialab UGR and Impronta Granada

Summary: Key features in a nutshell

  • Integrated communication ecosystem: cross-media approach combining institutional websites, social networks, and local press
  • Branded dissemination materials: merchandising (personalized notebooks, roll-ups, visual identity) for regional events
  • Continuous digital storytelling: regular updates on Medialab UGR and Impronta Granada platforms, including dedicated ENGAGEgreen sections
  • Press and audiovisual coverage: news pieces in IDEAL and Granada Hoy, YouTube webinars, and participation in European conferences
  • Citizen media participation: invitation for UGR County Councils members to record podcasts at Radiolab UGR to showcase territorial initiatives

 

Description

This contribution explores how the University of Granada (UGR), through Medialab UGR and Impronta Granada, develops and implements innovative dissemination strategies to promote science-policy dialogue formats. Within the Erasmus+ ENGAGEgreen project (WP5 – Dissemination and Civic Engagement), the UGR combines digital communication, traditional media outreach, and participatory storytelling to increase the visibility, credibility, and public engagement of initiatives such as the UGR County Councils and the Impronta Granada Meetings.

These communication actions reinforce UGR’s institutional commitment to open innovation and civic engagement, ensuring that dialogues between academia, policymakers, businesses, and citizens reach a wide audience both regionally and internationally.

 

How does the format work?

The dissemination strategy functions as a multichannel communication model coordinated by Medialab UGR. It follows a continuous cycle structured around three phases:

  1. Preparation and branding:

    Development of a visual identity and physical materials to accompany each policy dialogue event. For the launch of the UGR County Councils (20 January 2025), UGR produced personalized notebooks containing project information, roll-ups for visibility, and coordinated catering services to enhance participant experience.

  2. Media publication and digital amplification:

  1. Public visibility and international reach:

    UGR promoted ENGAGEgreen across European forums, such as the Arqus Alliance BIP “Making the Planet a Healthier Place” (May 2025), the SAM Conference “Building Bridges: Shaping Europe’s Science-for-Policy Landscape” (Vienna, 26–27 May 2025), and the ENGAGEgreen Brussels event “Unlocking Science-Policy Synergies for Europe’s Green and Digital Future” (June 2025). These participations were accompanied by multilingual press releases and news coverage in Impronta Granada.

  2. Citizen communication and creative media:

    UGR invites members of the UGR County Councils Living Labs to record podcasts at Radiolab UGR, a professional university recording studio. This initiative allows local stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers to share their projects and challenges with a broader audience, turning dissemination into a cocreated narrative that strengthens the “science for people” dimension of ENGAGEgreen.

 

Challenges

  • Maintaining consistency of branding and visual identity across multiple channels
  • Balancing scientific accuracy with accessible language for non-expert audiences
  • Coordinating timing between local events, press deadlines, and EU-level communication
  • Ensuring sustained engagement after the initial publicity peak
  • Measuring real impact beyond quantitative indicators (likes, reach, and views)

 

Tasks and resources

Scientists

  • Contribute content explaining research findings and territorial results in accessible language
  • Participate in interviews, webinars, and podcasts to contextualize the project’s impact
  • Review press materials to ensure factual accuracy and scientific credibility
  • Engage in live communication (conferences, Arqus Alliance BIP, SAM Vienna, Brussels event) to reinforce visibility in academic and policy communities

Knowledge exchange managers and research managers

  • Coordinate communication strategy and calendar for all ENGAGEgreen dissemination activities
  • Produce, edit, and publish multimedia content (press releases, video reels, YouTube webinars)
  • Manage relations with local and national printed press media (IDEAL, Granada Hoy)
  • Oversee graphic design, branding, and event logistics (merchandising, signage, photography)
  • Maintain web and social media analytics dashboards to monitor engagement trends

Policymakers

  • Support visibility by participating in interviews and providing statements on collaboration outcomes
  • Share ENGAGEgreen materials across institutional channels (municipalities, local development agencies)
  • Encourage territorial dissemination through newsletters and local events

 

Examples

  • 20 January 2025 – First Impronta Granada Meeting: Launch event with 143 participants; dissemination through Impronta Granada and Medialab UGR websites, featured in IDEAL and Granada Hoy, plus a full video recording available on YouTube
  • 24 January 2025 – Press releases: Published on both institutional platforms and cross-posted via social media
  • 9 May 2025 – Arqus Alliance Presentation: UGR introduced Living Labs to 25 students and six researchers from three European universities
  • 26–27 May 2025 – SAM Vienna Conference: International visibility through coordinated session on “Universities and Municipalities Coproducing Solutions for Urban Transformation”
  • 12 June 2025 – Brussels Conference: UGR led a session on “Water and Soil: From Research to Public Policies,” positioning ENGAGEgreen within the EU’s science-policy dialogue ecosystem
  • Radiolab UGR: Ongoing invitation for County Council members to produce thematic podcasts showcasing territorial innovation and sustainability actions.

 

Case studies

A comprehensive publicity strategy combining print, digital, and audiovisual media resulted in broad provincial visibility and EU-level recognition. The integration of Radiolab UGR podcasts extended dissemination into community storytelling, strengthening civic ownership of science-policy dialogue processes.

 

How is the format implemented?

Dissemination planning begins two weeks before each event and continues for up to three months afterward. The Medialab communication team drafts press releases, coordinates publication schedules, and monitors engagement metrics. Key milestones are synchronized with Impronta Granada’s editorial calendar. Podcasts and YouTube webinars are released as follow-up communication to maintain public awareness and continuity.

 

Available resources (what are the main tasks)

  • Institutional websites: ugr.es and improntagranada.es
  • Official social media accounts: Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube
  • Press-release and branding templates
  • Radiolab UGR recording studio and technical support
  • Mailing lists and stakeholder database for targeted outreach

What works? What doesn`t? (Lessons learnt)

  • Works: consistent visual identity; multichannel approach combining academic and public-facing content; early involvement of media in planning; use of audiovisual storytelling (reels, podcasts).
  • Doesn’t: overreliance on one platform; insufficient coordination between event and post-event coverage; underestimation of time for content production.
  • Lessons learnt: establish a publication timeline; integrate social media analytics into evaluation; ensure that every press release includes a direct quote and high-quality image; repurpose materials for European dissemination networks.

How are the activities evaluated?

  • Outputs: Number of press releases (20+), social media posts (>40), and media mentions (2 major newspapers)
  • Outcomes: Increased visibility of UGR’s Science-Policy dialogue formats; higher stakeholder engagement and replication interest in other universities
  • Indicators: Website traffic, post reach, engagement rates, podcast audience statistics, press citations
  • Timing: Continuous monitoring during 2025; reporting integrated into WP5 evaluation

 

Do you want to know more about the policy engagement toolkit?

Do you want to share your experience in policy engagement? Do you think about contributing to the policy engagement toolkit? Feel free to contact Tome Sandevski via science-policy@pvw.uni-frankfurt.de

Science Meets Policy in Brussels: Building a Dialogue on Soil Governance in Europe

Summary: Key features in a nutshell

  • A European-level event co-organised by University of Granada (UGR) and BETA Technological Center (University of Vic) within the Erasmus+ ENGAGEgreen project
  • Included representatives from the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) of the European Commission, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), and multiple universities and research institutes
  • Combined a general debate, two roundtables (water & soil), and a poster session
  • Focused on the implementation of the EU Soil Strategy 2030, Horizon Europe’s Soil Mission, and the Soil Monitoring Law
  • Addressed both governance structures and science-policy knowledge transfer mechanisms
  • Identified institutional gaps, emerging tools, and the role of social sciences and citizen engagement
  • Highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogues involving academia, policymakers, and civil society
  • Demonstrated the importance of Living Labs, transdisciplinary research, and participatory governance models

 

Description

This contribution presents a case study from the ENGAGEgreen Dissemination and Stakeholder Conference held on 12 June 2025 in Brussels. The session titled Water and Soil: From Research to Public Policies for Environmental Protection’, co-organised by the University of Granada (UGR) and the BETA Technological Center of the University of Vic, brought together researchers, policy officers, and civil society actors to explore how science-policy interfaces can support more sustainable environmental governance in Europe. The session focused on two critical elements – water and soil – and addressed how scientific evidence, social sciences, and participatory governance can shape public policies aligned with ecological and social realities.

The roundtable on soil governance addressed a pressing challenge: how to accelerate knowledge transfer and institutional cooperation in the implementation of the EU Soil Strategy and the Soil Monitoring Law.

The session aimed to strengthen science-policy dialogue on soil and water governance on the European level by

  • Creating a structured space for exchange between researchers, policymakers and civil society actors on soil and water governance
  • Exploring how scientific evidence, social sciences, and participatory approaches can better inform EU environmental policies, particularly the EU Soil Strategy, the Soil Monitoring Law and the Horizon Europe Soil Mission
  • Identifying barriers and gaps in current science-policy interfaces related to soil and water governance
  • Highlighting existing tools and mechanisms for knowledge transfer used by the European Commission and EU-funded projects
  • Promoting inclusive and transdisciplinary governance models, including the role of Living Labs and citizen engagement in soil and water policy design

 

How does the format work?

The session was structured around three parts:

  1. A general discussion, where participants advocated for stronger links between science, policy, and civil society;
  2. A roundtable on water, focusing on ecosystemic governance, participatory models, and European initiatives like Water4All;
  3. A roundtable on soil, centred on Horizon Europe projects, the EU Soil Mission, the Soil Monitoring Law, and knowledge transfer mechanisms used by the European Commission.

Participants addressed

    1. The current challenges in implementing soil-related legislation at EU and national levels;
    2. The need for integrating qualitative data and social dimensions into soil health metrics;
    3. Examples of research-policy collaboration, including Horizon Europe projects, and advisory mechanisms;
    4. Proposals to make soil science more accessible and politically actionable.

Each roundtable featured a mix of researchers and policy officers, allowing a two-way exchange that balanced scientific insight with institutional experience. Moderators facilitated open dialogue and ensured inclusive participation across all sectors. Emphasis was placed on identifying systemic gaps and mapping out opportunities to institutionalise science-policy interfaces around soil.

 

Challenges

  • Language and framing barriers between scientists and policymakers were repeatedly highlighted
  • Scientists often lack clear entry points or guidance for engaging with EU-level decision making
  • Civil society is still underrepresented in policy dialogues concerning natural resources despite their direct impact
  • The social dimension of soil and water governance is often overlooked in favour of technical or environmental approaches
  • Policy timelines and research cycles are often misaligned, reducing the usability of scientific findings in legislation
  • Lack of dedicated knowledge brokers to mediate between academic expertise and public administration needs

 

Tasks and resources

Academics & researchers

  • Presented scientific findings and recommendations on pest control, river ecosystem preservation, and participatory governance
  • Shared experiences on barriers to engaging with public administration and the need for social sciences in policy evaluation
  • Proposed formats for co-creating indicators that integrate scientific and local knowledge
  • Highlighted risks of limiting soil governance to narrow metrics

Policy officers (European Commission, DG AGRI)

  • Provided insights into how scientific input is accessed and used at the EU level
  • Explained the internal mechanisms of science-policy collaboration (e.g., expert databases, advisory boards, Living Labs, scientific panels)
  • Emphasised the role of research outputs in influencing legislative proposals
  • Advocate for coordination with CAP advisory services and national implementation bodies

NGOs and think tanks

  • Brought critical perspectives on the need for systemic change and democratisation of soil governance
  • Stressed the urgency of including the civil sector and farmers in the policy design process

Knowledge brokers & coordinators

  • Ensured cross-sectoral communication
  • Acted as facilitators to help researchers better align with institutional needs and timing
  • Gathered and documented insights for policy-oriented dissemination

 

Examples

  • EU Soil Mission: A Horizon Europe initiative to pilot Living Labs and Lighthouses for soil health across member states
  • Soil Monitoring Law: Legal framework aiming to create EU-wide soil data infrastructures
  • Living Labs for soil: Promoted as multi-stakeholder platforms for applied experimentation and for a governance framework

 

Sources and further reading

 

Case studies

Brussels, 12 June 2025 – ENGAGEgreen Dissemination and Stakeholder Conference
Session 3: Water and Soil: From Research to Public Policies for Environmental Protection
 Organisers: University of Granada & BETA Technological Center (University of Vic)

 

How was the format implemented?

What works? What doesn`t? (Lessons learnt)

What works

  • Co-organising sessions with moderation and academic-institutional balance
  • Including general discussions + topic-specific roundtables strengthens engagement
  • Framing discussions within ongoing EU strategies (e.g. Soil Mission, CAP)
  • Engaging NGOs and academic researchers alongside policymakers

What doesn’t

  • The lack of structured access points for researchers to influence EU policymaking
  • Limited formal structures for civil society or citizen science participation in EU soil governance
  • Technical complexity can lead to disengagement if the language used is not clear

 

How are the activities evaluated?

  • Feedback was gathered via live interaction and informal networking
  • Indicators: diversity of speakers, institutional interest in follow-up actions, and ongoing connections made during the event. Engagement during the roundtable was high and balanced across institutions
  • Clear expressions of interest for future collaboration
  • Dissemination through press releases and policy briefings (University of Granada and BETA – University of Vic)

 

Do you want to know more about the policy engagement toolkit?

Do you want to share your experience in policy engagement? Do you think about contributing to the policy engagement toolkit? Feel free to contact Tome Sandevski via science-policy@pvw.uni-frankfurt.de

Evaluating the Impact of Local Science-Policy Dialogue Events

A Methodological Approach from the UGR County Councils Initiative

Summary: Key features in a nutshell

The evaluation instrument was designed with the following objectives:

  • Measure the satisfaction of attendees across the four sectors of the quadruple helix
  • Assess the perceived quality of networking and knowledge exchange
  • Evaluate the understanding and perceived usefulness of the UGR County Councils initiative
  • Capture differences in perception across academic and administrative profiles
  • Identify actionable recommendations for improving inclusivity, policy relevance, and follow-up mechanisms in future living lab–based encounters

 

Description

The UGR County Councils (Consejos Comarcales UGR) initiative, part of the Erasmus+ ENGAGEgreen project, aims to promote structured science-policy dialogues across the ten counties of the province of Granada. In July 2025, the first territorial encounter brought together researchers, policymakers and civil society representatives in the historical Azucarera of Motril. To assess the impact of this event and strengthen future participatory formats, the University of Granada developed an evaluation survey specifically tailored to the quadruple helix model and the regional context.

This methodological approach was tested during two major events — the First Impronta Granada Meeting and the First Meeting of UGR County Councils — allowing comparison of perceptions and outcomes across different regional settings

 

How does the format work?

The survey was administered online using Google Forms and disseminated directly after the event. Participants were invited via email and QR codes distributed during the meeting. The form consisted of nine core questions divided into thematic blocks:

  1. Identification block: sector affiliation (Academia, Public Administration, Business, Civil Society)
  2. General satisfaction block: Likert scale (1 to 5) evaluating the overall meeting, networking opportunities, and event logistics. The event logistics was analyzed with four Likert-scale questions on the location, schedule, content, and facilitation
  3. Participatory dynamics block: Items assessed inclusivity, perceived listening, and sense of contribution to the dialogue
  4. Specific feedback blocks tailored to– Academic participants: changes in understanding of policy processes, interest in continued engagement– Public administration participants: prior experience with research, usefulness of data shared, intent to maintain contact.
  5. Open feedback block: Suggestions for future events with optional contact details.

 

The evaluation process combined quantitative and qualitative approaches, including participant observation and informal feedback during networking sessions, to triangulate survey results and deepen the analysis of engagement dynamics.

 

Challenges

The questionnaire was developed by the technical coordination team of the Erasmus+ ENGAGEgreen project at the University of Granada. No external resources were required beyond institutional communication channels and Google Workspace tools. Internal collaboration with the data protection office ensured the compliance of the Regulation on the Protection of Personal Data of Individuals.

The main methodological challenge was balancing brevity with analytical depth, as short online forms sometimes limited the detail of qualitative responses.

 

Tasks and resources

The differentiated blocks for academics and policymakers proved effective in capturing specific expectations and experiences. The use of Likert scales allowed for a quantitative analysis of perceived impact, while the open section provided rich qualitative insights. Most notably:

  • High levels of satisfaction and expressed interest in continued collaboration
  • Strong appreciation for the opportunity to exchange knowledge in a regional context
  • The methodology facilitated the identification of gaps between policy needs and academic communication strategies
  • Tailored insight into institutional and individual motivations
  • Better understanding of perceived usefulness of the event
  • High levels of satisfaction with logistics, participation equity, and perceived listening
  • A growing demand for more frequent formats of pairing and localized science-policy interaction.

 

Conclusion

Evaluating science-policy engagement formats is essential to ensure their effectiveness and replicability. The UGR evaluation model demonstrates how local events rooted in territorial identity can be assessed through simple but robust methodologies that reflect both institutional goals and participant experiences.

 

Scientists

  • Designed and validated the mixed-methods evaluation protocol ensuring scientific robustness while maintaining accessibility for non-academic participants
  • Analzsed quantitative data from 43 and 21 respondents across two events, identifying patterns of satisfaction and collaboration intentions
  • Interpreted qualitative feedback to detect emerging themes such as commitment to collaboration, clarity of objectives, and need for stronger political engagement
  • Produced evidence-based recommendations to enhance time allocation, venue accessibility, and follow-up strategies, thus reinforcing the Living Lab methodology’s policy impact
  • Reflected on methodological transferability to other regional science-policy dialogues under ENGAGEgreen

Knowledge exchange managers and research managers

  • Coordinated survey dissemination via digital and in-person channels (QR codes, email lists, feedback sessions)
  • Conducted participant observation during group work to assess cross-sector dynamics and inclusivity.
  • Collected and synthesized informal verbal feedback to complement survey findings
  • Managed anonymization and GDPR compliance with the university’s Data Protection Office
  • Compiled comprehensive reports integrating both quantitative results (e.g., satisfaction 4.53/5; networking 4.36/5) and qualitative insights, providing an internal learning document for ENGAGEgreen WP3

Policymakers

  • Contributed perspectives on institutional needs and constraints through survey responses and interviews
  • Used findings to adjust UGR County Councils’ agendas—prioritizing clearer communication of objectives, longer work sessions, and broader political representation
  • Recognised the value of systematic evaluation as a tool for evidence-based policy improvement and enhanced collaboration with academia
  • Expressed high willingness (avg. 4.50/5) to continue participating in future knowledge-exchange activities

 

Case studies

How is the format carried out?

Post-event, participants received a digital survey accessible via QR code and email. Data were exported to Excel for quantitative analysis and thematically coded for qualitative insights. Results were discussed internally by UGR’s ENGAGEgreen coordination team to identify lessons and integrate them into the Toolkit.

 

Available resources (what are the main tasks)

  • Survey templates (Google Forms)
  • Coding framework for qualitative data
  • Feedback report template (summary + recommendations)
  • GDPR consent and anonymisation guidelines

 

What works? What doesn`t? (Lessons learnt)

  • Works: concise digital tools; mixed quantitative-qualitative design; immediate post-event collection
  • Doesn’t: overly short group sessions; lack of rotation between discussion tables; vague follow-up procedures
  • Lessons learnt: always combine survey data with observation notes; report results back to participants to maintain trust

 

How are the activities evaluated?

  • Outputs: Completed feedback reports per event; consolidated WP3 evaluation chapter
  • Outcomes: Evidence of increased collaboration intent (4.7/5); improved design of next County Councils
  • Indicators: Satisfaction, networking, clarity, inclusivity
  • Timing: Immediate post-event collection + synthesis within 2 weeks

 

Do you want to know more about the policy engagement toolkit?

Do you want to share your experience in policy engagement? Do you think about contributing to the policy engagement toolkit? Feel free to contact Tome Sandevski via science-policy@pvw.uni-frankfurt.de

Evaluating the Outcomes of Science–Policy Dialogues in Granada

Evidence from ENGAGEgreen Surveys

Summary: Key features in a nutshell

  • Total respondents: 64 (43 + 21) from all quadruple-helix sectors
  • Average overall satisfaction: consistently above 4 out of 5 across both events
  • Highest-rated dimensions: participant satisfaction, networking, and willingness to continue collaboration
  • Lowest-rated dimensions: time management, clarity of objectives, and political follow-up
  • Findings reveal strong institutional trust in the University of Granada as a convener of regional dialogue

 

Description

This contribution presents the consolidated results from two evaluation surveys conducted after the First Impronta Granada Meeting (January 2025) and the First Meeting of UGR County Councils (July 2025). Both events were designed as science-policy dialogue platforms within the Erasmus+ ENGAGEgreen project, bringing together academia, public administration, business, and civil society across the province of Granada. The analysis combines quantitative satisfaction indicators with qualitative feedback to assess participant perceptions, areas for improvement, and overall impact of the Living Lab-based governance model.

 

How does the format work?

Post-event evaluation surveys were distributed in digital format via QR code and email within 24 hours of each meeting. The forms used a five-point Likert scale complemented by open-ended questions. The methodology ensured cross-sector participation and allowed comparison between the two events. Responses were triangulated with direct observation and informal feedback collected by the organizing team.

 

During the First Impronta Granada Meeting (January 2025):

  • The highest-rated aspect was Overall satisfaction (4.53), indicating strong approval of the event’s relevance and execution related to the science-policy dialogue format through the Living Lab methodology
  • Organization scored slightly lower (4.45), suggesting there is still room for optimization, particularly in time management and venue choice
  • Networking opportunities (4.36) were well-received, but feedback suggests participants are seeking slightly more structured and operational exchanges in future editions

 

 

During the First Meeting of UGR County Councils (July 2025):

Highest-rated aspects:

  • Intention of academics to maintain contact with policymakers (70)
  • Desire of academics to participate in more future knowledge exchange activities (60)
  • Recommendation of the event by academics (60)
  • Public administration’s interest in further exchanges with researchers (50)
  • Venue satisfaction (48)
  • Generation of a comfortable and trusting atmosphere (28)

Lowest-rated aspects:

  • Public administration’s receipt of concrete policy recommendations (29)
  • Public administration’s perception of having received a general overview or specific data (29)
  • Usefulness of the program (76)
  • Duration and structure of the session (71)
  • Equal opportunity for all participants to contribute (78)

 

Challenges

  • Maintaining a balanced representation of all quadruple-helix sectors
  • Managing limited time for presentations and group discussions
  • Translating satisfaction data into operational policy outcomes
  • Ensuring that recommendations are followed up institutionally
  • Fostering clarity of objectives and purpose about the expected outcomes and the real influence of UGR County Councils

 

Tasks and resources

Scientists

  • Conducted quantitative analysis of 64 valid responses (43 + 21) and calculated average ratings
  • Identified statistically consistent satisfaction levels: overall 4.53, organization 4.45, networking 4.36 in January 2025; and 4.70 for academics’ willingness to engage, 4.50 for policymakers’ interest, 4.48 for venue quality in July 2025
  • Interpreted qualitative feedback to highlight five recurring strengths: initiative appreciation, content relevance, collaboration commitment, willingness to contribute, and follow-up interest
  • Detected recurrent improvement areas: time allocation, venue accessibility, fostering political engagement, clarifying the Living Lab objectives, and need for practical actions
  • Drew comparative insights showing convergence between academic and policy expectations regarding continuous collaboration

Knowledge exchange managers and research managers

  • Consolidated survey results and coded open-ended responses thematically
  • Produced summary dashboards illustrating satisfaction and perception trends
  • Organized internal debriefing sessions with the ENGAGEgreen WP3 coordination team to interpret findings and feed them into Toolkit development
  • Drafted actionable recommendations for subsequent events, including improved facilitation methods and extended group-work sessions

Policymakers

  • Provided reflective input on how evaluation findings could inform county-level planning
  • Interested in ongoing collaboration but expressed lower ratings on receiving concrete, applicable outputs
  • Prioritized measures to increase inclusivity and clarify expected outputs of future UGR County Councils.
  • Recognized that systematic post-event evaluation enhances accountability and strengthens the evidence base for policy decisions.

 

First Impronta Granada Meeting (Jan 2025) — 43 responses; overall satisfaction 4.53 out of 5; networking 4.36; organization 4.45. Feedback praised cross-sector participation but requested improved time management and greater political involvement.

First UGR County Councils Meeting (Jul 2025) — 21 responses; balanced representation of academia (37.5 %); business (23.8 %); civil society (19.4 %); public administration (19.3 %); academics’ willingness to maintain contact 4.70; policymakers’ interest 4.50. Feedback emphasized the need for clearer objectives and longer, more inclusive group sessions.

 

Do you want to know more about the policy engagement toolkit?

Do you want to share your experience in policy engagement? Do you think about contributing to the policy engagement toolkit? Feel free to contact Tome Sandevski via science-policy@pvw.uni-frankfurt.de

University Living Labs Contributing to the Quintuple Helix

Medialab UGR, Impronta Granada and its Regional Approach

Summary: Key features in a nutshell

  • University Living Labs as spaces of open and experimental innovation linking science, policy, and society
  • Territorial focus through county-based participatory structures across the province of Granada
  • Integration of the Quintuple Helix model (academia, government, business, civil society, and environment)
  • Practice-based engagement formats such as co-creation workshops, policy labs, and science-policy events
  • Coordinated by Medialab UGR within the “Impronta Granada” initiative and the ENGAGEgreen project

 

Description

This article explores the role of university-based citizen laboratories as spaces for social innovation, collaborative governance, and inclusive engagement. Drawing on the case of Medialab UGR and its umbrella initiative Impronta Granada, the study analyses how public universities can act as facilitators of regional innovation ecosystems. It focuses on the deployment of ten Living Labs known as UGR County Councils structured around the Quadruple and evolving Quintuple Helix models. These labs have enabled over 230 participants from academia, government, civil society, and the private sector to co-design sustainable, place-based solutions to regional challenges. The methodology involved a four-phase process including training, co-creation and continuous evaluation. Key results include the development of targeted action plans and the activation of science-policy dialogues grounded in local knowledge. The study highlights the strategic value of universities as political and epistemic actors capable of mediating between knowledge and democratic regional governance. It concludes with lessons and recommendations for scaling this model across Europe, proposing a situated, effective and inclusive approach to innovation that recognises the environment and region as active agents.

 

How does the format work?

Main objective and relevance

This contribution aims to document a methodological case study showcasing the implementation of a university-led Living Lab ecosystem grounded in the Quintuple Helix model. It provides a detailed account of how universities can serve as mediating infrastructures between academia and public administration, fostering science-policy interfaces that respond to regional and environmental challenges. The case is relevant for stakeholders interested in participatory governance, place-based innovation, and regional development.

Background information

Medialab UGR, embedded in the Vice-Rectorate for Social Innovation, Employability and Entrepreneurship, functions as the social innovation lab of the University of Granada. Through its strategic programme Impronta Granada, it has established ten UGR County Councils as thematic Living Labs across the province. These Councils operationalise a Quintuple Helix structure, engaging diverse regional actors in identifying, analysing, and addressing region-specific challenges. This model shifts from traditional linear knowledge transfer to a distributed and systemic approach to innovation.

Figure 1. Overview of the Impronta Granada project; Source: authors’ own schematic.

 

Methodological approach

The implementation followed a four-phase methodology: (1) internal recruitment and onboarding of academic participants with territorial ties; (2) expansion to include policymakers, civil society organisations, and business actors; (3) capacity-building and co-creation workshops; and (4) monitoring and evaluation. A participatory registration system captured over 230 participants, segmented by helix affiliation, thematic interest, and geographical connection. Tools included online seminars, thematic roundtables, SWOT analyses, and surveys. The methodology prioritised relationality, territoriality and multi-actor co-creation.

Key activities

  • Internal call and onboarding of UGR academic and administrative staff, coordinated by Medialab UGR within the framework of the Impronta Granada initiative
  • Identification of territorial links by participants (municipality, county, thematic interest)
  • Development of ten geographically distributed UGR County Councils
  • Capacity-building seminars introducing Living Lab and Quintuple Helix methodologies
  • Co-creation sessions at the I Impronta Granada Meeting (Jan 2025)
  • Collaborative roundtables and thematic seminars
  • Evaluation surveys and impact assessments

Results

  • Over 230 participants joined the Councils, representing all helices
  • Eight action plans co-designed and linked to specific county priorities
  • More than fifteen public and internal activities conducted
  • Significant interest generated at European and international forums
  • Demonstrated ability to trigger science-policy dialogues on local issues
  • Strengthened epistemic legitimacy of non-academic knowledge
  • Enabled hybrid governance model with decentralised coordination

Lessons learnt

  • Territorial anchoring of innovation processes enhances engagement and legitimacy
  • Flexible governance structures accommodate diverse local dynamics
  • Political and institutional backing is essential for sustainability
  • Hybrid (online-offline) formats democratise participation
  • Co-creation works best when coupled with symbolic recognition (certificates, awards)

Transferability

The Impronta Granada model is scalable and adaptable to other regions seeking to establish university-led regional Living Labs. It requires minimal infrastructure, relies on open-source methodologies and benefits from aligning with EU frameworks such as the Urban Agenda, Horizon Europe and Erasmus+. The approach is especially relevant in rural or decentralised territories seeking to activate participatory public policy ecosystems.

Connection with the Quadruple/Quintuple Helix

Initially designed within the Quadruple Helix, the UGR County Councils explicitly adopt the Quintuple Helix model by integrating environmental and regional dimensions as co-creators of innovation. This extension redefines the role of place, recognising it as both an epistemic and political actor. Environmental sustainability, landscape memory, and regional knowledge shape the agenda-setting and solution design phases of the Labs.

 

Figure 2. The Quintuple Helix Model; Source: authors’ own schematic

 

Figure 3. Distribution of Quadruple Helix Participants in the UGR County Councils; Source: authors’ own schematic


Challenges

  • Asymmetry in expectations, language, and timeframes between researchers and public administration
  • Limited institutional incentives or recognition for academic staff engaging in policy-oriented initiatives
  • Need for constant mediation and facilitation to avoid fragmentation and ensure productive dialogue
  • Scaling up localised actions while preserving territorial relevance and community trust

 

Tasks and resources

Scientists

  • Identify and translate local and regional challenges into research-informed questions and frameworks
  • Participate in co-creation processes and workshops alongside policymakers, civil society, and other stakeholders
  • Contribute disciplinary expertise to interdisciplinary problem-solving efforts within the Living Lab
  • Act as facilitators of evidence-based decision-making, bringing scientific knowledge into the public debate
  • Engage in the development and evaluation of participatory methodologies and tools used in the Lab
  • Communicate findings in accessible formats to non-academic audiences, including local governments

Knowledge exchange managers and research managers

  • Design and coordinate the overall structure of the Living Lab, ensuring alignment with institutional and territorial goals
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration between researchers, policymakers, civil society, and businesses
  • Mediate expectations and timescales between academia and public administrations to enable effective co-creation
  • Manage logistics, outreach, and documentation of activities (e.g. workshops, policy labs, meetings)
  • Monitor and evaluate the impact of science-policy interactions, contributing to continuous improvement
  • Support the institutional embedding and long-term sustainability of Living Lab initiatives

Policymakers

  • Bring forward local and regional policy challenges to be addressed collaboratively within the Living Lab
  • Participate actively in co-design sessions and workshops alongside scientists and other stakeholders
  • Offer practical and regulatory insights that inform the development of realistic and actionable proposals
  • Facilitate access to local networks, data, and institutional support for implementing pilot initiatives
  • Act as potential end-users of research-based outputs, helping to translate co-created knowledge into public policy
  • Promote political buy-in and institutional alignment to ensure the adoption of innovative solutions

 

Sources and further reading

Carayannis, E. G., & Campbell, D. F. J. (2010). Triple Helix, Quadruple Helix and Quintuple Helix. IJSESD, 1(1), 41–69.

Romero-Frías, E., & Robinson-García, N. (2017). Social Labs in Universities. Comunicar, 51(2), 29–38.

Bergvall-Kåreborn, B., Ståhlbröst, A., Holst, M., & Mirijamdotter, A. (2015). A Milieu for Innovation – Defining Living Labs. ENoLL Summer School.

 

Do you want to know more about the policy engagement toolkit?

Do you want to share your experience in policy engagement? Do you think about contributing to the policy engagement toolkit? Feel free to contact Tome Sandevski via science-policy@uni-frankfurt.de

UGR County Councils: Designing the Roadmap

Description – Key features in a nutshell

The UGR County Councils are regional dialogue spaces that connect university staff, local policymakers, civil society actors, and the private sector across Granada’s regions. They foster collaboration to identify local challenges and co-design solutions. Their aim is to align scientific knowledge with regional development needs. They are organised primarily around in-person meetings, while virtual sessions are also held to follow up on the activities of each UGR County Council. The UGR County Councils are new collaborative spaces designed:

  • To foster direct connections between the University of Granada (UGR) and the different municipalities and regions within the province of Granada
  • To create innovative, sustainable solutions by engaging the university, local governments, businesses, and the public in co-creation processes
  • To generate opportunities and transfer scientific, educational, and innovative knowledge that contribute to the transformation and sustainable development of the regions
  • To lay the foundations for future Living Labs, testing and applying innovations in public policies and local practices

 

How does the format work?

The methodology behind the UGR County Councils is based on the Living Lab methodology and follows a collaborative model known as the ‘Quadruple Helix’, bringing together four key stakeholders: the university, the public sector (municipalities’ mayors and governments), businesses, and citizens. The UGR County Councils aim to work closely with local communities to identify local needs related to three main thematic areas: the environmental impact of urban agendas, soil and culture. Besides, one of the UGR County Councils’ objectives is to design solutions for local development through regular meetings, workshops, and hackathons which can be implemented through scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and public policies.

After recruiting our main participants (lecturers, researchers, professors, and technicians from the University of Granada) via Google Form, the first informational meeting about the formation of UGR County Councils was held on 18 December 2024, gathering over 45 participants. The formal launch of the UGR County Councils took place and premiered on 20 January, 2025, as part of the Impronta Granada initiative, the strategic alliance between the University of Granada and the Provincial Council of Granada.

This recruitment process was coordinated by Medialab UGR, the Social Innovation Lab of the University of Granada. The first internal call was launched through a Google Form open to the entire university community between June and July 2024. Once this initial group was engaged, we organised the first informational and training session on the Living Lab methodology on 18 December 2024.

After ensuring that the university community was familiar with the initiative, we updated the Google Form to open participation to the other three helices – citizens, policymakers, and the business sector. University members themselves helped share the form with representatives from their own municipalities. Parallel to this, Medialab UGR, with the support of the Provincial Council of Granada, also sent the form to all municipalities in the province of Granada.

 

Challenges

  • Engagement of local stakeholders. Ensuring active and sustained participation from local businesses, municipalities, and citizens is challenging
  • Coordinating diverse interests. Balancing the interests of different groups (university, public sector, businesses, and citizens) while ensuring the project’s goals are met
  • Implementation of solutions. Ensuring the co-created solutions are practical and implementable within the local context and effectively integrated into local policies

 

Tasks and resources

Scientists

Over 80 scientists from the University of Granada have joined the UGR County Council initiative. The registered researchers have different backgrounds and are specialised in more than 20 diverse areas of expertise (ranging from psychology and linguistics to parasitology and ecology), which make the knowledge transfer rich and fruitful.

Key tasks

  • Provide scientific expertise and knowledge to help identify local needs and co-create innovative solutions
  • Guide collaborative research projects that address regional challenges, particularly within the framework of the “Living Lab” methodology
  • Actively participate in the evaluation of proposed solutions and innovations based on scientific validity and local applicability
  • Present findings from collaborative efforts at various meetings, workshops, and events, such as the Impronta Granada annual gathering

 

Knowledge exchange managers and research managers

Key tasks

  • Coordination of knowledge transfer by facilitating the transfer of scientific knowledge to local communities
  • Ensure active participation from all relevant stakeholders, including municipalities, businesses, and citizens and ensure their needs are met with appropriate knowledge inputs
  • Handle logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, and events, ensuring smooth operations and communication
  • Oversee the implementation of collaborative projects between UGR, businesses, and local governments
  • Promote participation in the councils through communication strategies such as the social media campaigns
  • Collect participant feedback after each session, ensuring that ideas and concerns are communicated effectively to the relevant decision makers


Policymakers

Key tasks

  • Contribute to the identification of local needs, leveraging their expertise to align council projects with existing urban agendas and municipal and regional development plans
  • Help ensure that the innovative solutions developed through the UGR County Councils are integrated into local governance and policymaking processes.
  • Provide institutional support for the projects that emerge from the UGR County Councils
  • Engage with local businesses, citizens, and researchers to promote regional collaborations and policy initiatives based on scientific evidence.

 

Example

The successful implementation of the Living Lab methodology in the 10 different regions constituting the Granada province, where university researchers and local stakeholders work together to design and implement solutions for their municipalities’ needs.

 

How has the format been implemented?

  1. Initial informational session. Held on 18 December 2024, organised by Medialab UGR within the framework of the Impronta Granada initiative, with institutional support from the Vice-Rectorate for Social Innovation, Employability and Entrepreneurship. The meeting was moderated by Medialab UGR staff, who were also responsible for designing and managing the agenda, and brought together 46 participants to discuss the structure, objectives, and methodology behind the creation of the UGR County Councils.
  2. Internal structure
    1. Council presidency. Vice-Rectorate for Social Innovation, Employability, and Entrepreneurship.
    2. Council spokesperson. Responsible for leading meetings, ensuring cohesion among stakeholders, and coordinating action implementation. This role could be assumed by a UGR lecturer or staff member.
    3. Dialogue facilitator. When necessary, Medialab UGR experts will facilitate participatory processes, ensuring all actors have a voice and that discussions are productive and balanced.
  3. Ongoing Google Form questionnaire. The initial Google Form used to reach the lecturers, professors, researchers, and technicians from the University of Granada has been extended to the other three stakeholders (municipalities’ governments, private sector and citizenship in the region of Granada) accounting currently for over 120 registered participants.
  4. Emailing list. Creation of an emailing list per UGR County Council so that the different participants can contact each other.
  5. Organisational session. 10 different virtual meetings have been organised so that every UGR County Council participant can meet their counterparts and identify their local needs so as to present them in the formal launch event.
  6. Formal launch. The councils met officially on 20 January 2025 during the Impronta Granada event, where all participants were introduced and roles assigned.
  7. Additional meetings. Subsequent meetings will be held either in-person or online, depending on local needs and priorities.

 

Available resources (What are the main tasks?)

  1. Coordination: Organising meetings, gathering feedback, and ensuring all stakeholders are informed of developments.
  2. Workshops and Living Labs: Facilitating collaborative problem-solving and ideation sessions.
  3. Community engagement: Ensuring active participation from local residents, businesses, and governmental bodies. Fostering engagement is considered in the following ways:
    1. Participation certificates;
    2. Continuous training through science-policy based workshops;
    3. Best UGR County Council Award to be delivered at the 2026 Impronta Granada event;
    4. Visibility and dissemination through UGR social media.

 

What works? What doesn`t? (Lessons learnt)

  • What works? Clear communication channels and flexible participation options (online and in-person meetings) have helped engage stakeholders
  • What doesn’t? Overreliance on digital platforms for engagement may exclude some community members, especially in rural areas with limited access to technology.

 

How do you evaluate the activities?

Evaluation will be conducted through continuous feedback loops, including focus groups after each meeting. Success indicators include:

  • Number of projects initiated
  • Level of satisfaction from participants
  • Number of solutions implemented in local policies
  • Degree of local economic impact

 

Sources and further reading

Promotion and dissemination of both the informational meeting and the consolidation of the UGR County Councils:

 

Do you want to know more about the policy engagement toolkit?

Do you want to share your experience in policy engagement? Do you think about contributing to the policy engagement toolkit? Feel free to contact Tome Sandevski via science-policy@uni-frankfurt.de

UGR County Councils: A regional Science-Policy Dialogue Model for Sustainable Development

Summary: Key features in a nutshell

  • Ten regional UGR County Councils, one per county of the Granada province
  • Living Lab and Quadruple Helix approach linking universities, governments, businesses, and citizens
  • Participatory identification of local challenges in water management, soil restoration, sustainable mobility, and cultural heritage
  • Science-policy pairing between researchers and public officials for locally relevant solutions
  • Institutional framework ensuring long-term coordination and knowledge transfer between academia and territorial authorities

 

 

Description

The UGR County Councils are a regional model for science-policy dialogue developed by the University of Granada (Spain) within the Erasmus+ ENGAGEgreen project. The initiative is a response to the province’s urgent environmental and social challenges—such as drought, soil degradation, and rural depopulation—by creating ten County Councils, one per county, that connect academia, policymakers, the private sector, and civil society.

Using the Living Lab methodology and the Quadruple Helix model, the Councils foster collaborative experimentation and evidence-based policymaking. They serve as locally rooted platforms for co-creation, capacity building, and participatory governance, advancing sustainable development at the regional level.

 

How does the format work?

1. Introduction

Granada’s pressing environmental issues revealed a lack of structured mechanisms to integrate scientific evidence into policymaking. To overcome this, the UGR established ten County Councils to institutionalize dialogue between science and policy at the territorial level.

2. Objectives

  • Foster inclusive and structured dialogue between academia, public administration, civil society, and the private sector.
  • Identify and prioritize local challenges through participatory platforms.
  • Pilot a scalable model of science-policy pairing capable of replication in other European regions.
  • Strengthen institutional capacities for knowledge transfer and consolidate the university’s civic engagement mission.

3. Methodology

The Councils employ a Living Lab approach that promotes real-world experimentation and stakeholder cocreation of locally relevant solutions.

They integrate the Quadruple and Quintuple Helix logic, ensuring the participation of:

  • Academic institutions
  • Public administrations
  • Private sector actors
  • Civil-society organizations

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recruitment and participation combined institutional communication (emails, websites) with informal word-of-mouth channels to reach local policymakers and citizens.

Activities used hybrid formats (online and in-person) such as webinars, cocreation workshops, and capacity-building sessions designed to foster dialogue, mutual learning, and joint decision making.

4. Pilot implementation highlights

The UGR County Councils were formally launched in January 2025 during the First Impronta Granada Meeting, which gathered 143 participants for the first province-wide encounter. Since then, the initiative has evolved into a structured network of approximately 230 active participants across ten counties in Granada.

The councils have facilitated science policy dialogue on key environmental issues, including webinars and seminars on soil restoration, drought management, and biotechnological alternatives for pest control, co-organized with local authorities and scientific experts.

Stakeholder engagement reflects the project’s Quadruple Helix foundation, combining public administrations, academic institutions, civil society, and private sector actors.

A total of over 15 multiformat activities have been organized, including:

  • Webinars on soil restoration and drought with regional agencies
  • A seminar on sustainable pest control co-led by UGR biotechnology experts and local mayors
  • Capacity-building workshops and collaborative working sessions, generating more than eight localized action proposals, several of which are being integrated into municipal and regional policy agendas
  • Codesigned, place-based solutions addressing water governance, ecological transition, and rural innovation rooted in territorial realities.
  • Science-policy pairing mechanisms, enabling researchers to act as regional mediators and catalyze evidence-based decision making at the municipal level.

 5. Results and impact

  • National and international visibility through participation in conferences, dissemination via institutional networks, and continuous media outreach
  • Development of a flexible governance model, balancing central coordination with local autonomy and self-organization
  • Institutional recognition and symbolic incentives, such as participation certificates and the forthcoming Best UGR County Council Award, reinforcing long-term stakeholder engagement
  • Hybrid participation formats (online and in-person) expanded accessibility, especially in rural areas, strengthening inclusivity and plural representation

Overall, the UGR County Councils have demonstrated the potential of universities as regional mediators, fostering collaborative solutions that address environmental and social challenges through sustained science-policy dialogue.

 

Challenges

  • Historically weak links between academia and local governments required trust-building
  • Balancing academic coordination with local autonomy
  • Ensuring equitable representation of all quadruple-helix sectors
  • Managing logistics and accessibility for rural territories
  • Translating dialogue outcomes into concrete, actionable policies
  • Difficulties maintaining consistent participation across all counties

 

Tasks and resources

Scientists

  • Contribute research insights on sustainability, soil, water, and cultural heritage
  • Act as regional mediators, facilitating evidence-based discussions
  • Support monitoring and evaluation through data analysis and policy translation

Knowledge exchange managers and research managers

  • Coordinate the creation of ten county-based councils and manage logistics
  • Design and facilitate cocreation workshops and training sessions
  • Ensure alignment between local priorities and ENGAGEgreen objectives
  • Compile reports and communication materials for dissemination (websites, media)

Policymakers

  • Participate in workshops and webinars to share challenges and priorities
  • Provide local data, administrative context, and feedback on proposed solutions
  • Integrate cocreated proposals into municipal or county policy agendas

 

Examples

  • Launch event (January 2025): First Impronta Granada Meeting was attended by 143 participants, marking the establishment of all ten UGR County Councils
  • Ongoing network: Approximately 230 active participants across the province
  • Thematic webinars: On soil restoration, drought management, and biotechnological pest control, co-organized with local authorities and researchers
  • Workshops: Generated over 10 localized action proposals, several now under implementation in municipal policies
  • Hybrid formats: Online and in-person participation strengthened inclusivity and accessibility for rural communities

 

Do you want to know more about the policy engagement toolkit?

Do you want to share your experience in policy engagement? Do you think about contributing to the policy engagement toolkit? Feel free to contact Tome Sandevski via science-policy@pvw.uni-frankfurt.de

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