Study visit in the Barcelona Living Lab Explores Pathways for Food Environment Transformation
On 12–13 May 2026, the FutureFoodS partnership organised a study visit to the Barcelona Living Lab (LL), hosted by the Living Lab for Health at IrsiCaixa in Santa Coloma de Gramenet.
The event brought together 41 participants representing 34 organisations from 13 countries, including researchers, businesses, policymakers, academia, and civil society organisations.
The study visit was designed as a practice-oriented learning experience focused on food environment transformation. Participants explored how LLs can facilitate systemic change by combining systems innovation, community-based participatory research, and transition design methodologies. The programme showcased the approaches currently being implemented by the Barcelona LL through collaborative initiatives supported by the FoodCLIC, FOSTER, and CLEVERFOOD projects.
Throughout the two-day programme, participants engaged in a series of interactive workshops examining tools and methodologies for food system transformation. Particular attention was given to the application of systems thinking and the Three Horizons Framework, which supports stakeholders in developing shared visions, identifying transformation pathways, and aligning actions across different governance levels. Participants also explored practical approaches for scaling innovative initiatives and embedding successful practices into existing food systems.
The second day focused on transition design and the TransMission Framework, enabling participants to co-design governance structures and strategic actions required to support long-term food system transitions. Through collaborative exercises, attendees reflected on the challenges faced within their own organisations and exchanged experiences on how to navigate different stages of transformation.
An important component of the study visit was the direct engagement with local initiatives operating within the Barcelona food environment. On-site visits to the Fondo neighbourhood, a community kitchen, and a social supermarket provided valuable insights into place-based experimentation and community-driven approaches. These activities enabled participants to better understand local realities while fostering dialogue between researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community actors.
The study visit generated valuable transferable insights for the FutureFoodS network and reinforced the importance of LLs as environments for experimentation, learning, and innovation. Participants highlighted the value of peer learning, knowledge exchange, and exposure to practical examples that can be adapted and replicated in different regional contexts. It is also worth noting that the Barcelona LL was identified as a lighthouse LL through the survey conducted within WP6 within the first year of the FutureFoodS Partnership.
The Barcelona experience demonstrated that transformative change in food systems requires integrated methodologies, strong stakeholder engagement, and continuous cycles of reflection, experimentation, and policy development. By strengthening collaboration across sectors and territories, the study visit contributed to a shared foundation for future transition roadmaps and policy recommendations supporting healthier and more sustainable food systems across Europe.