NEB-STEAM LABS Action Network

How can European cities achieve integrated implementation models that effectively connect innovation, sustainability, education and the creative economy, at a local level?

Edited on 08/05/2026

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Project proposal by

  • Institution : Municipality of Viana do Castelo
  • City : Viana do Castelo
  • Country : Portugal
  • Type of region : Less developed
  • Population : 86 975
Looking for Project Partners

The NEB-STEAM LABS Action Network aims to support European cities in implementing innovative, integrated and participatory approaches that connect education, creativity, technology and entrepreneurship, in line with the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB).

 

While many cities have developed strategies related to innovation, sustainability and education, they often face difficulties in translating these into concrete, coordinated actions that generate measurable local impact. In particular, there is a gap between educational systems, local innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurial pathways, limiting the capacity to transform creative and scientific potential into sustainable urban solutions and new economic opportunities.

 

This Action Network brings together seven European cities committed to testing and implementing NEB-driven STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) ecosystems, where schools, innovation hubs and local stakeholders co-create and implement solutions to urban challenges.

 

Led by Viana do Castelo (PT), through the newly established VIANA STARTS innovation hub, the network will act as a platform for experimentation, enabling partner cities to design and implement Action Portfolios composed of concrete pilot actions. These will include the development of NEB-STEAM educational labs in schools, city-based innovation and experimentation spaces, and structured pathways to support creative entrepreneurship and business creation.

Through transnational exchange and peer learning, cities will test different implementation approaches, address common barriers and refine their actions. The network will produce a transferable Actions Playbook, offering practical guidance for cities across Europe on how to build integrated NEB-STEAM ecosystems that foster innovation, inclusion and sustainability.

By combining education, innovation and entrepreneurship, the network will contribute to strengthening local capacities, supporting the green and digital transitions, and promoting inclusive growth in line with Cohesion Policy objectives and the Urban Agenda for the EU.

 

 

General Objective

To strengthen the capacity of cities to design and implement integrated NEB-driven STEAM ecosystems that foster innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship.

 

Specific Objectives

1.    Design and implement concrete local actions linking education, innovation and entrepreneurship
2.    Strengthen collaboration between schools, innovation hubs, businesses and communities
3.    Test and refine participatory and integrated approaches through Action Labs and URBACT Local Groups
4.    Generate transferable knowledge on how to operationalise NEB principles at local level
5.    Support young talent in developing creative solutions and entrepreneurial initiatives