The TOGETHER project recently marked an important milestone with the successful implementation of its first Living Lab in Oslo, bringing together key stakeholders from across sectors and governance levels to collaboratively explore challenges and solutions for disaster risk management. Hosted in the Norwegian capital on 23rd March 2026, the workshop was organised by Oslo Kommune and NORSAR, with the active contribution of several TOGETHER partners, including Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the University of Agder, COUPERJONES LTD, Artelia and EENA. The session also benefited from strong synergies with the RECITE project, coordinated by NTNU Samfunnsforskning AS.
The Living Lab created a dynamic environment for dialogue, enabling participants from public authorities, research, and operational organisations to exchange perspectives and jointly reflect on current practices in crisis preparedness, response and recovery. Discussions highlighted the fact that Oslo’s disaster risk management system is characterized by high levels of competence, well-established planning frameworks and effective cooperation among key actors. Regular exercises, strong infrastructure and short response times contribute to a robust and responsive system. At the same time, the complexity of operating in a large urban environment poses challenges in terms of communication, coordination across systems, and clarity of roles and responsibilities.
Participants also identified clear opportunities for further strengthening disaster risk governance through enhanced cross-sector collaboration, more joint training activities, and stronger engagement of businesses, volunteers and citizens. The discussions emphasized the importance of leveraging current momentum around the “Total Defence” approach to improve coordination and integration across civil, public and private actors.
The Oslo Living Lab represents a core component of the TOGETHER methodology, designed to move beyond dialogue and enable the co-creation of practical, user-driven solutions. The insights gathered will directly inform the development of the TOGETHER Toolkits, supporting more integrated, interoperable and resilient disaster risk management systems across Europe.
Building on the outcomes of this first session, the TOGETHER project will continue its Living Lab activities in other pilot locations, namely Spain and Greece, further promoting cross-country learning and collaboration. Through these efforts, TOGETHER continues to contribute to more coordinated, inclusive and future-ready disaster risk governance across Europe.