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impact lab
impact lab
Social Innovation in Rural Areas: The Impact Lab serves as an innovation platform and facilitator. It aims to promote cross-sectoral collaboration among civil society, the business community, government, and the research sector. The goal is to strengthen the region’s capacity for transformation and establish Lichtensteig as a hub of vibrant social innovation.
mission
The Impact Lab explores the conditions under which new solutions to social and environmental challenges can emerge. Its focus is on building a sustainable innovation ecosystem: strengthening relationships, connecting stakeholders, creating spaces for learning, and enabling systemic change. In addition, individual projects can be supported and implemented.
approach
The Impact Lab combines two strategic approaches:
1. “Bioregional Weaving”
Building and maintaining a regional network of committed stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and developing long-term capacity for transformation.
2. Specific Initiatives
Developing and implementing formats such as workshops, dialogue events, residencies, and retreats. Lichtensteig is positioned as a place of learning and experience for social innovation.
This combination brings together open-ended system development with engaging initiatives.
understanding of roles
The Impact Lab acts as a facilitator and catalyst. It can serve as an intermediary within the regional innovation ecosystem:
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Empowering committed individuals and organizations
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Building visibility, developing narratives, and communicating impact
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Supporting formats, processes, spaces, and infrastructure
The focus is on building long-term relationships—as the foundation for sustainable value creation in the region.
In keeping with the vision of zukunft.bahnhof, we are intensively engaged with topics of social change and innovation. On the one hand, our site is a vibrant living lab, sandbox and place for experimentation; at the same time, we also want to initiate and support content, event formats, and initiatives that make our content accessible to a broader audience and have an impact on the regional ecosystem and beyond.
The impact lab is the catalyst for innovation in the zukunft.bahnhof project, with interventions on the site and in the regional ecosystem.
We aim to initiate, support, and promote transformative social learning to build transition competences.
Impact is not defined solely by short-term metrics, but rather by:
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the quality of relationships within the ecosystem
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increased capacity for action among the participating stakeholders
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the emergence of new projects and collaborations
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long-term structural transformation
The impact lab thus invests in the “soil quality” of the system—in trust, networking, and shared learning processes—thereby supporting the conditions for sustainable regional development.
The zukunft.bahnhof site, serving as a physical hub, creates a space for encounters, experimentation, and knowledge exchange. Strategic partnerships (e.g., with universities, foundations, and regional organizations) as well as innovative financing models ensure long-term development.
actions
Our activities are closely aligned with the key themes of the zukunft.bahnhof project: sustainability, social change, and social innovation in all its forms. In these areas, we strive to leverage our extensive network to foster collaborations with local, regional, and national organizations that can be implemented in Wattwil, Lichtensteig, and the surrounding area. Our focus is always on leveraging synergies and building relationships. Past activities, such as the first Summer of Pioneers event in Switzerland, have created significant added value. Recently, we partnered with Monda Futura on their national future survey, and next, we’ll be an implementation partner for the Innosuisse Booster program by Futureurbansociety, focusing on food and energy. In addition, smaller events are planned, as well as various student projects, primarily with the University of St. Gallen.
services
Lichtensteig is at the forefront of addressing future challenges in rural areas. In our small town, politics, civil society, business, and culture come together with openness and curiosity, creating a unique ecosystem for social innovation.
That’s why we regularly receive inquiries from curious and interested individuals who want to learn more about our innovation ecosystem. That’s why we created the Lichtensteig Experience and our hosting program:
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We offer: spaces, networks, expertise, and the openness of a community eager to embrace the new. Those who experiment here can test ideas in a vibrant context—with a direct connection to people, everyday life, and the region.
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Experience: We invite everyone to discover Lichtensteig. Whether you’re a startup, a research project, or a university program—come for an inspiring tour, or to develop pilot projects and prototypes here.