Prototyping Labs for Local Innovation & Global Impact

Fostering transitions to Productive and Resilient Cities through hands-on innovation ecosystems

Area

Productive Cities

Type of Project

Tailored trainings and capacity-building programs

The Goal

Across the globe, cities face increasing pressure from climate change, resource scarcity, and the need for more inclusive, adaptive and circular economies. Addressing these challenges requires communities to develop local capabilities in digital fabrication, innovation, and collaboration. But how do you activate and structure such transformation?

Prototyping Labs for Local Innovation & Global Impact is Fab Lab Barcelona’s answer to this urgent need—a structured training and advisory program that enables institutions, governments and communities to imagine and implement their own Fab Labs as drivers of urban resilience and social innovation.

Our Approach

Through a carefully crafted curriculum of training modules, deployment guidance and consulting services, Fab Lab Barcelona equips participants with strategic, operational and technical knowledge needed to launch or scale Fab Labs in line with the Fab City vision.

The programme is grounded in Fab Lab Barcelona’s proven Adopt, Adapt, Create methodology:

  • Adopt: Immerse in Fab Lab Barcelona’s values, ecosystem and projects.
  • Adapt: Localise practices to the specific context of each territory.
  • Create: Design programs and governance structures that ensure long-term autonomy and impact.

Our Contribution

Delivered on-site or remotely, this programme serves as a launchpad for Productive Cities: ecosystems capable of producing what they consume, supported by open source principles, circularity and distributed manufacturing.

The tailored training path for Fundación Avina included:

  • Inspirational talks from Fab Lab Barcelona leadership
  • Project showcases: CitiObs, Fab City Hub, Centrinno
  • Guided tours of labs, equipment and local maker ecosystems
  • Peer exchange with public-sector and NGO-led innovation labs

Impact

Fostered pathways for productive, circular and self-sufficient cities

Built global alliances through Fab Lab Network

Project Team

Guillem Camprodon (Executive Director)
Milena Juarez (Local Communities Expert)
Julia Leirado (Future Learning Expert)
Óscar González (Sense Making Lead)
Chiara Dall’Olio (Programme Coordinator)


Who It’s For

Fab Labs and makerspaces. For emerging or existing labs looking to expand their impact, define strategic goals, or scale their model in alignment with the Fab City vision. 

Governments and public institutions. Ideal for municipalities and national agencies aiming to foster innovation, sustainability, and local resilience. 

NGOs and foundations. For mission-driven organisations seeking to empower communities through digital fabrication, open innovation and skills development. 

Universities and academic institutions that want to integrate digital fabrication, environmental action and open-source principles into their curricula or campus infrastructure. 

Partners

Let’s prototype the future together

Want to bring this programme to your region or institution?
We offer fully customisable training and support adapted to your context. Let’s talk:


Noel Criado, Strategic Partnerships Lead: [email protected]