The Business Model Canvas (BMC) for Soil Living Labs (LLs) and Lighthouses (LHs) was developed by the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL) under the EU funded project PREPSOIL. It is a tailor-made tool created to support these initiatives in designing strategies for long-term stability. Built with the specific needs of Soil LLs and LHs in mind, the canvas offers a structured yet flexible framework to guide decision-making and communicate value to stakeholders. [Click here to read more]
As part of the PREPSOIL process, practical insights were gathered across a range of activities supporting LL and LH business model development. These examples reflect the lived experience of LLs and have been mapped to the various elements of the BMC.
To help users navigate this knowledge, the insights have been classified based on their relevance:
In this page, you'll find a filterable catalogue of insights linked to specific BMC elements and spheres of intervention. You can browse by:
For example, an agricultural LL looking for real-world insights of private sector engagement can select “Agriculture” under the Focus filter, and “Private Sector” under the 4. Key Stakeholders element.
These insights are intended to guide and inspire LLs and LHs as they build their own business models—recognizing that each lab’s ambition, capacity, and local context is unique.
Projects funded under the EU Mission Soil initiative should also ensure that their business models reflect the objectives outlined in the Mission Soil Implementation Plan, as well as the land use type they aim to address. This focus is essential for shaping effective and sustainable strategies.
To enrich the catalogue with new, practical insights, we invite soil experts, Mission Soil projects, Living Lab practitioners, and related initiatives to share their experiences and examples connected to key BMC elements and intervention areas. You can contribute your inputs and insights through this link.
A deeper dive into the methodology and development process behind the BMC.
Detailed instructions and guiding questions for completing each section of the canvas.
Transit to healthy soils to facilitate the restoration of the natural system, and thereby its potential to deliver ecosystem services
Transit to healthy soils to facilitate the restoration of the natural system, and thereby its potential to deliver ecosystem services
Travel costs
Unified approach to the interrelated problems in agroecology system, involving all users, stakeholders and customers
Universities and research institutions - social sciences (e.g. anthropologists, economists, geographers, sociologists), physical sciences (e.g. agronomists, biologists, chemists, climatologists, geologists, epidemiologists, physicians)
Universities and research organizations
Urban development leads to soil compaction, contamination, and loss of green spaces negatively impacting soil health and limiting community access to healthy environments and recreational areas
Urban LLs may transform city landscapes by revitalizing soil health through innovative green infrastructure and community engagement. The LL can create sustainable, biodiverse urban environments that enhance water management, boost local food production, and foster healthier communities. By partnering with different stakeholders, cities can improve their resilience to climate change, increase property values, and provide their residents with attractive, functional green spaces that support both environmental and social well-being
Use green, gentle and sustainable remediation
Use green, gentle and sustainable remediation
Use nature-based solutions and de-sealing where possible to limit excessive heat and rainfall
User panel with diverse representation, active engagement, in real-life contexts, with iterative feedback among their members, and collaboration with stakeholders