In a global context marked by digital transformation, economic instability, and the aftermath of the pandemic, millions of young people continue to face enormous barriers to entering the workforce. In response to this situation, the European project YouthLivingLabs offers an innovative and collaborative solution: to create an international network of spaces where young people and professionals work together to develop real and innovative solutions.

YouthLivingLabs is a project funded by the Erasmus+ Youth program, led by the Instituto Ikigai along with organizations from Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, and Jordan. Its main goal is to build a replicable, evidence-based model for the socio-economic inclusion of young people aged 25 to 29 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs), through open innovation, collaborative design (design thinking), and non-formal education.

The pandemic worsened an already critical situation: according to the ILO, over 75% of young people work in informal conditions, with low wages and limited protection. In Europe, youth unemployment remains significantly higher than the general average, and in countries like Spain, Greece, and Italy, the NEET phenomenon is a major concern. In the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), the situation is even more severe, with youth unemployment rates exceeding 30%, especially among women.

This project was created to address this reality with concrete solutions: learning and co-creation spaces where young people can acquire key skills and generate innovative proposals with real impact in their communities.

YouthLivingLabs is structured around six key action lines:

• Creation of 6 permanent Youth Innovation Labs in 5 countries, where young people and youth workers will collaborate with startups and local companies to solve real challenges.
• Training of at least 150 young people in key innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital skills.
• Design of non-formal educational programs tailored to current labor market needs.
• Promotion of professional internships in innovative companies, facilitating access to quality work experience.
• Personalized mentoring using the design thinking methodology.
• Collaborative digital platform to strengthen international networks and facilitate cross-border learning.

Indirectly, the project will impact:

• Startups, SMEs, and local companies collaborating in the labs.
• Youth organizations that can replicate the model in other regions.
• Society at large, by promoting inclusion, local economic development, and youth empowerment.

What sets YouthLivingLabs apart is its practical and innovative approach: it’s not just about training, but about creating real spaces where young people and professionals collaborate to solve concrete challenges. We are committed to non-formal education, learning through experience, and direct connection with the labor market.

At Ikigai, we believe that young people are not just the future, but the present. This project was created to provide them with tools, confidence, and a support network that allows them to turn their ideas into action. With YouthLivingLabs, we are building bridges between talent, technology, and real opportunities.