MAA Interim Evaluation Report

This deliverable, D1.9 – MAA Interim Evaluation Report, presents an interim assessment of the implementation of the Multi-Actor Approach (MAA) within the legumES project at Month 26 (M26), February 2026. The report focuses in particular on the development and functioning of existing and emerging Living Labs (LLs), which constitute the primary structures through which the MAA is operationalised in legumES. The evaluation is designed as a formative and reflective exercise, providing a snapshot of current practices rather than a summative assessment of performance or impact. It aims to support learning, identify strengths and development needs, and establish a baseline for the final evaluation to be conducted in August 2027 (Month 44) in Deliverable D1.1, using the same framework to enable comparison over time. At project level, the report documents MAA-related activities implemented across work packages (WPs), including participatory, co-creation, and stakeholder engagement actions, based on inputs collected from WP leads. These activities demonstrate that the MAA is embedded across the project through a variety of formats, such as Multi-Actor Workshops, participatory trials, cooperation workshops, innovation-oriented events, and capacity-building actions. At LL level, the evaluation applies a structured self-assessment framework based on the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL) macro–meso–micro model. Self-assessment questionnaires were completed by LL host organisations. The questionnaire template is provided in Annex 2. The assessment examines governance and strategic orientation (macro level), project portfolios and operational capacity (meso level), and co-creation activities, stakeholder engagement, and iterative processes in real-life settings (micro level). The interim findings highlight a high diversity of LL maturity levels within legumES. Some LLs demonstrate advanced levels of development, with established governance structures, strong stakeholder engagement, and systematic application of co-creation processes. Other LLs are in consolidation or pilot stages, combining active experimentation with ongoing efforts to formalise governance, business models, and operational structures. Support from WP1 capacity-building actions, including LL trainings, governance guidance, shared evaluation tools, and cross-LL learning, plays a central role in supporting LL maturation. In parallel, ongoing legumES activities provide practical opportunities to embed project activities within LL contexts as the project progresses. Overall, the findings presented in D1.9 will serve as a reference point for monitoring progress and assessing change in LL maturity, governance, and co-creation practices in the final evaluation n August 2027.