In recent years, the Netherlands has become one of Europe’s most active hubs for food innovation, thanks in part to an increasingly dense network of “Living Labs”. These labs, which are real-world environments where companies can test new technologies before committing to major investments, give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a rare opportunity to experiment, learn quickly, and scale what works. In a sector where margins are tight and innovation cycles can be risky, Living Labs are proving to be an essential catalyst for the future of food production.
A recent article published by Next Tech Food Factories (NTFF) highlights how this innovation infrastructure is expanding across the country, connecting universities, applied research institutes, industrial testbeds, and food producers in a collaborative ecosystem. According to NTFF, “a growing network of living labs is helping SMEs innovate faster and smarter, from ingredient development to robotics, food processing and digital twins.
The appeal for SMEs is clear: adopting new technologies can be a major financial gamble, especially when considering robotics, automation, advanced analytics, or artificial intelligence. Living Labs enable companies to test these tools under realistic production conditions without the need to purchase expensive equipment or halt their operations. For many SMEs, this reduces the barrier to entry and builds confidence in digital transformation.
This trend aligns closely with the mission of DIGIFABS, which aims to train “responsible dynamic digital change agents” who can sense, seize and drive digital innovation inside food and beverage SMEs. Living Labs represent the ideal environment where such change agents can apply their knowledge directly to real business challenges, bridging the gap between education, research, and industry practice.
The innovation happening in Dutch Living Labs also extends to sustainability. Many labs focus on resource-efficient processing, waste reduction, traceability, and data-driven improvements, all crucial for building Europe’s green and resilient food system. For example, some testbeds allow companies to explore circular production models, evaluate energy-efficient automation, or simulate the environmental impact of packaging choices using digital twin technologies.
Beyond the technology itself, Living Labs help cultivate a culture of collaboration. SMEs can connect with students, researchers, and educators, which often helps them discover solutions they might never have considered alone. This collaborative, interdisciplinary ecosystem mirrors the approach fostered by DIGIFABS and underscores why the Netherlands is seen as a leader in applied food innovation.
As Europe accelerates its digital and green transition, the model of Living Labs offers a compelling blueprint. These hands-on environments demonstrate how SMEs, often constrained by time and resources, can still participate meaningfully in innovation. In addition to that, initiatives like DIGIFABS equip a new generation of professionals with the right mix of digital, entrepreneurial, and sustainability skills, making the potential impact even greater.
References:
SS4AF / Next Tech Food Factories (2025). Where Food Meets Tech – Growing Network of Living Labs in the Netherlands. https://ss4af.com/en/sixfold/article/2025/where-food-meets-tech-growing-network-living-labs-netherlands/
Photo credit: Smart Solutions 4 Agri-FOOD
