Recent debates in rural development suggest a growing interest in integrating landscape-based knowledge into participatory decision-making. This study contributes to this discussion by examining how landscape—understood as the interplay between human actions, natural processes, and soil systems—can be …

The approach to homelessness in the Netherlands is currently undergoing a paradigm shift, moving away from shelter-based systems toward direct and unconditional housing, as articulated in the National Action Plan on Homelessness Eerst een Thuis. However, the regular housing supply often fails to meet …

Dear Reader, Welcome to Sustainable EU Economy. This book is more than a textbook—it is an invitation to explore how the European Union shapes business, society, and sustainability in today’s interconnected world. My hope is that it will inspire you to think critically, engage actively, and see how Europe’s …

Rural regions are facing specific challenges, such as demographic ones. For example, younger people often move towards more urban regions, which results in an older and dwindling population, which could lead to less facilities and broad prosperity. These challenges ask for specific sets of policies focused …

Research conducted by Universities of Applied Sciences (UASs) is frequently driven by professional practice where researchers are challenged with finding solutions to real-life problems. These real-life solutions are significantly enhanced by the participation of stakeholders. Through this inclusion …

Pregnancy and early parenthood mark a transformative period where women become caregivers and assume a new role with new responsibilities. While often portrayed positively, the transition to motherhood can be overwhelming. This is especially true for women living in adverse circumstances, presenting …

In 2030, more than 80% of the Dutch population will live in urban areas. This rapid urbanization brings significant challenges, such as air pollution, a shortage of green spaces, heat stress, and other urgent issues that threaten our living environment, but it also offers opportunities: the chance to …

This paper presents a preliminary evaluation of three living labs within the Healthy and Sustainable Living Environment Utrecht Knowledge Consortium (GeLUK): KTC Zegveld, Hoefkwartier, and Utrecht Science Park (USP). These living labs play a central role in advancing energy transition and energy education …

The global sustainability transition starts with the local introduction of innovative solutions. Living labs in regions have a crucial role to play in testing and applying these innovative solutions in the early stages of the transition. In Utrecht a remarkable Household Lab is developed. It will not …

Urban living labs (ULLs) are experimental governance mechanisms accelerating sustainability transitions in the built environment, yet their governance implications and systemic impact are often under-examined. A comparative analysis of six ULLs is presented with a focus on positive energy districts (PEDs) …