The Transition Lab is an experimental space for ideation, testing, co-creation of innovative solutions for socio-technical transition in the energy sector. The aim is to enhance the transformative capacity of territorial R&I systems by aligning them to societal needs, ensuring that democratic, environmental, economic and scientific demands are captured in each territory.

The objective is to identify mirror territories interested in replicating the RIPEET methodology in their ecosystems and build a vibrant community of quintuple helix actors utilising the results of RIPEET and ensure maximum exploitation of the Transition Lab experiments.

The RIPEET community and peer-learning scheme targets decision-makers at the local and regional levels committed to shaping a more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable energy transition in their region.

We are looking for regional authorities, local authorities, universities, regional clusters, energy agencies and innovation agencies or similar organisations well connected to regional energy transition actors. All applicants should have the capacity to ensure the participation of the innovation ecosystem and stakeholders.

Interested applicants can submit their expression of interest by responding to the open call to join the RIPEET Community of Practice (CoP) by 31 May 2022.

Up to six applicants will be selected to participate in a peer-learning scheme that follows the pilot-mirror approach: they will be working closely as ‘mirror ecosystems’ with those engaged in the three ‘pilot ecosystems’ based in Extremadura (Spain), Highlands and Islands of Scotland (United Kingdom) and Ostrobothnia (Finland). Each pilot will coach two mirror territories to ensure maximum exploitation of the Transition Lab experiment. The pairing with mirror territories will be based on commonalities (R&I capabilities, energy transition dynamics, technologies in the smart specialisation strategies, etc.)

Participation in the Community of Practice of Mirror Ecosystems is free. The project will reserve travel grants for the selected Mirror regions to attend events in the Pilot territories.

Mutual-learning visits are an opportunity for groups of experts, decision-makers and other stakeholders from one or more territories (the visitors) to visit a RIPEET pilot territory (the host) and see first-hand how the Transition Lab and related experiments have been successfully implemented. The mutual-learning visits will consist of a variety of interactive formats, especially designed to keep participants engaged and to encourage collaborative learning.

• A Webinar 2 weeks prior to the mutual-learning visit
• Bilateral exchanges with the RIPEET Mentors and Ambassadors
• Mutual-learning study visit, organised back-to-back with the sustainability workshops in pilot territories
• RIPEET Replication Guide, a user-friendly synthesis of the RIPEET approach
• An illustrated harvest report including graphic recording of the mutual learning visit, as a follow-up of the exchange.

Mutual learning implies that pilots will also be expected to learn from the mirror territories and refine their models based on the feedback they receive. The visit also aims to boost networking opportunities to raise the visibility of the project, add value to it and leverage and investigate sustainability options for the project. Travel expenses will be paid to the invited organisations.

The Community of Practice envisages the mutual learning and exchange of experiences. RIPEET will use the consortium’s expertise to match pilots with mirror territories, creating three 'mutual learning groups' and providing the base for replication and exploitation. One RIPEET Ambassador per mirror territory will be addressed to provide feedback on the mutual learning process. Once the three mutual learning groups are established, three peer-learning visits will be organised. A maximum of two interested mirror territories will be selected for the visit, each with the possibility of having travel costs for four representatives from the quintuple helix reimbursed.