ImpactABLE Living Lab Launches with Discussion on Systemic Change and Social Inclusion

Developed by Comillas Pontifical University within the EUPeace Living Peace Labs initiative, “All Aboard!” supports bilingual subject teachers in identifying and removing learning barriers, helping to foster more inclusive bilingual classrooms through co-creation and innovation.

On 29 April, the Chair of Social Impact at Comillas Pontifical University officially launched the ImpactABLE Living Lab during a breakfast event that brought together representatives from academia, civil society, public administration and the private sector. Developed within the EUPeace framework, ImpactABLE seeks to advance the evaluation of systemic change towards a more inclusive society that recognises and values the diversity of people’s abilities and talents.

A Living Lab for Systemic Change

ImpactABLE is an open innovation ecosystem designed to co-create practical, accessible and robust approaches to evaluating the social impact of public and private initiatives aimed at promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities. The event marked both the official launch of the Living Lab and an opportunity to showcase the reflections and proposals developed through the ImpactABLE Think Tank.

Carlos Ballesteros, Director of the Chair of Social Impact, presented the Living Lab’s objectives and highlighted the work carried out by the Think Tank, which brings together around 100 organisations from across the quadruple helix: universities, public administrations, businesses and civil society organisations. This collaborative model aims to generate shared knowledge and practical solutions to complex societal challenges.

Exploring New Approaches to Evaluation

A central feature of the event was the presentation of the book Evaluative Inquiry for Systemic Change: A Guide to Shift Beyond Fixes to Lasting Value by Emily Gates and Pablo Vidueira, Assistant Professor at Comillas Pontifical University. The publication offers a practical framework for understanding and evaluating systemic change, encouraging organisations to move beyond short-term fixes and focus on creating lasting social value.

During the session, Pablo Vidueira explored common misconceptions surrounding systemic change and outlined key principles for evaluative inquiry. His presentation highlighted how evaluation can support learning, adaptation and long-term transformation in complex systems.

Placing Lived Experience at the Centre

The event also presented the first steps undertaken by the ImpactABLE Living Lab to map the structures and systems that influence disability inclusion. Researchers shared insights gathered through workshops involving people with intellectual disabilities, ensuring that lived experience remains central to the initiative’s development.

Participants identified several barriers to inclusion, including social stigma, physical and cognitive accessibility challenges, limited visibility and participation opportunities, and obstacles to independent living. These reflections will help guide future activities within the Living Lab and inform the development of more inclusive policies and practices.

Contributing to EUPeace’s Mission

As part of EUPeace’s Living Labs initiative, ImpactABLE demonstrates how universities can work alongside communities and external partners to address societal challenges through participation, research and innovation. The Living Lab creates a space where academic knowledge, professional expertise and lived experience come together to generate meaningful social impact.

By focusing on systemic change, inclusion and collaborative learning, ImpactABLE reflects EUPeace’s commitment to promoting peace, justice and social inclusion across Europe while strengthening connections between universities and the communities they serve.