5. Conclusion

Based on the results of the APOLLON pilots and the feedback of the different actors (Living Labs, public organizationsand industrial companies) we do see a strong need for a domain specific network on Health and Well-being. This network however is first targeted to the community of Living Labs itself. It acts as a knowledge and exchange platform on the one hand and as a broker, gateway for (new) collaborations on the other hand. It has to bee seen as instrument that allows Living Labs to connect to each other and by so extend their current network and eco-system to new markets, new stakeholders, new target groups… The establishment of a common eco-system within this network is however not feasible nor recommendable. However, the network needs to provide access to new, existing ecosystem in the various countries and regions. The Living Labs in the network need to operate both as gateway and active broker. In this role they need to be able to activate the right local stakeholdersrequired for the crossborder pilot. This matchmaking is one of the core objectives of a domain specific network. Therefore the necessary instruments (partner profiles, methodologies…)needs to be in place.

When we look at the initial hypothesis we raised in the beginning, we can confirm al of them: • The Living Labs –as neutral organizations–are well placed to play the broker role to connect the different eco-systems.It is indeed to goal that the network can open up new environments, new ecosystems to collaborate with • The living labs need to act as a central gateway to facilitate the connection to those other ecosystems. It is not just a give-through, but it is clear that the access needs to be supported by a local party that can be trusted. The network has to offer such finding place in which living labs can find each other and built up the necessary trust. • Across-border network is a layered model on which different ecosystems both within the domain as outside the domain of health can be organised. • Living Labs, operating in a network, do have a clear broker function where they facilitate between the various stakeholders within the (extended) eco-system) • Across-border thematic network domain has to be anactive network domain in which members can and do interact and collaborate with each other.The establishment of a steering group of experienced Living Labs is crucial in this respect.

When creating a domain specific network on health and well-being it is necessary that it in the first place focuses on the Living Labs. Here the main objective is to share knowledge on all different type of levels (projects, assets,….) and to exchange methods and tools to address the various bottlenecks in cross-border collaboration in the health and wellbeing domain. Second, the network should also target SMEs, large enterprises and public organizations, were it has to act as a broker and gateway to new markets and eco-systems. The network itself needs to connect different ecosystems and by so creating opportunities for these stakeholders. Only by then every actor will benefit the most from this type of network.