The CILAB Citizen Laboratory in Alicante announced today new steps stemming from the 2022 challenges, aiming to improve two essential facets of human coexistence: city life and social inclusion, along with environmental sustainability. The event took place at the Tosal Laboratory, where citizens and participating groups were briefed on partial results from each challenge and the joint activities carried out, fulfilling a public account of their efforts.
In the social arena, the goal is to encourage participation and cross-training in Alicante, with innovative programs designed to add socio-labor value. These programs are presented as compact modules within a Kit format (Kit Skills), covering Social Skills, Employment Aptitude, Languages, and Digitization.
For environmental sustainability, the focus is on applying circular economy principles in Alicante. The Circular Management Project for end-of-life workwear and footwear was unveiled to broaden the initiative through practical actions that improve resource efficiency and minimize waste. The project explores ways to use or create by-products, services, or methodologies that hold value across three areas: the initial MVP prototype phase, innovative waste-management methods for clothing and footwear, and the deployment of new waste-management services associated with work attire and footwear.
Partnerships with Atalayas Management and Modernization Authority showcased progress from joint tests conducted with AITEX, INESCOP, and Filias Innovación Social SL. As a preliminary step, it is recalled that once challenges are identified, a period opens during which any individual or legal entity can submit ideas and proposals to address each challenge, with expert support to guide concrete solutions and business concepts that can be tested.
From the submitted proposals, and through triangulation of various participatory and deliberative processes across social and environmental domains, the field of study emerged as the best response to the two identified areas.
The overarching goal of CILAB Alicante has been to pinpoint the community’s priorities by tapping into local talents. With active citizen involvement, two improvement priorities were identified: in the social sphere, reflecting actions in the public realm, and in environmental sustainability. Today’s event underscored this emphasis on creativity and partnership, which define the work of CILAB Alicante.
Participants saw how ideas translate into concrete projects and how citizen engagement takes shape. The day drew a full room and was streamed online. CILAB Alicante Citizen Laboratory is an initiative supported by the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism and the Local Agency of Impulsalicante. For additional context, see the official channels of the Impulsa Alicante program and the CILAB initiative. [CITATION: Impulsa Alicante, CILAB Alicante]
Further details can be explored through summarized descriptions provided by the program’s organizers and partner entities. [CITATION: Organizing bodies, partner institutions]