ᴇNᴀBʟS’ Austrian Living Lab (LL), coordinated by the BOKU University with the support of 3s Research & Consulting, addresses Austria’s socio-environmental challenges and land-use conflicts. These conflicts arise from competing demands such as renewable energy expansion, biodiversity restoration, agriculture, tourism, and local recreation. The LL aims to initiate collaborative planning processes where competencies for managing trade-offs are developed and promoted. Through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, and the integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) into higher education and TVET curricula, sustainable, inclusive solutions are created.

The Living Lab (LL) is based at BOKU University and facilitates collaborative learning through interdisciplinary projects. While BOKU students and faculty are the main participants, the LL actively involves external stakeholders, including researchers, TVET teachers, landowners, farmers, and representatives from regional authorities. Together, they create diverse learning opportunities for integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) into the landscape, enabling the practical visualisation, analysis, and navigation of competing interests.

LL’s activities include:

The Austrian LL aims to integrate NBS and biodiversity concepts into higher education and TVET curricula, addressing challenges like balancing biodiversity with energy demands and adapting land use to climate needs. Students gain practical experience applying NBS, while also developing negotiation and communication skills. The overall goal of the Austrian LL is to create impact by equipping students for careers in sustainable land-use planning and biodiversity conservation, producing actionable solutions for land-use conflicts, and generating research to inform policy and strengthen collaboration between academia, policymakers, and communities. It serves as a model for advancing sustainability through education, practice, and research.