Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) research strategy 2027-2032: consultation

Annex D: Integrating Research and Real-World Solutions: The Role of Living Labs in Scotland’s Regenerative and Sustainable Agriculture and Land Management Strategies

Introduction

A key impact challenge for the research programme is to support changes to land use and land management practice that deliver against multiple objectives from a finite land resource. Change processes must acknowledge historical patterns of management and use, the knowledge and skills of land managers, ongoing climate change, and global economic uncertainty.

The scientific research in this programme is targeted at filling knowledge gaps identified in land use and land management. However, translating science and evidence into outcomes requires further steps. Engagement between researchers and practitioners (farmers, crofters, land managers) is critical. In a theory of change, outcomes (like sustainable, regenerative agriculture) arise from outputs, like improvements to management practice, deployment of innovations, changes in land use, coordination with wider networks on shared goals and so on. Research can provide inputs to support delivery of these outputs. But a co-creation and/or codevelopment process is critical to moving from lab study to field implementation, from experiment to farm decision making, and from model to landscape reality.

Living Labs (LL) are designed to help land managers apply better or best practices in working landscapes. They bring together scientists and practitioners to work on real-world economic and sustainability challenges. By combining scientific research with practical experience and delivery, LLs encourage shared learning, innovation, better understanding of problems and solutions, and identification of realistic and just solutions.

LLs promote collaboration across different fields and types of knowledge. Their success depends on trust among participants and long-term observation of results. In Scotland, it’s especially important to consider the variety of landscapes and land uses. LLs can help create region-specific solutions and should be seen as a key part of national research efforts. LLs turn scientific knowledge into practical actions through deep collaboration.

Living Labs are flexible and varied, requiring engagement with the relevant land managers (farmers, crofters, forestry, FLS), regulators (SEPA, NatureScot) and/or other stakeholders (supply chains, local government, utilities, community groups, eNGOs). Good baseline data (e.g. on biodiversity, greenhouse gases, or production) is essential. With stakeholder support, research can then test new practices to see if they improve outcomes. Potential examples could include:

1. Agroforestry Living Lab. How can agroforestry practices deliver sustainable solutions? What are the costs and benefits of silvopastoral practice in terms of economics, nature and climate?

2. Circular Bioeconomy Living Lab. How can the circular bioeconomy deliver multiple benefits to farmers, from methane capture to power generation?

3. Uplands Living Lab. How can very low agriculture capability land be used to maximise value to local communities and meet national climate and nature goals? What are the options to support deer management, peatland restoration and rural communities?

4. Regenerative Agriculture Living Lab. How do varied proposed regenerative farm practices influence outcomes for biodiversity, climate and productivity, and the trade-offs among these?

There are many other options, and these are only provided to aid discussion and co- development of the optimal configuration.