What can our research group do to help mid-sized towns to strengthen their liveability in the context of digitization? Where do representatives of mid-sized towns see the greatest need for action? And how can we shape a practical, transdisciplinary exchange between research and municipal stakeholders?

To answer these questions, we held a workshop with representatives of German mid-sized towns at this year's MEMO conference, based on our research project "Future Digital Towns" (FOR 5393). After an afternoon of intensive exchange, one thing is clear: Our partners are just as energized as we are to jointly tackle the pressing challenges of digitalization in German mid-sized towns and want to seize the opportunities that present themselves!

The first phase of the workshop involved a presentation of the research project and getting to know each other. Over coffee and cake, a poster session was held to deepen the exchange and discuss the first pressing issues as well as the initial situations in the municipalities.

The second phase of the workshop was dedicated to the topic of the 'reality labs': After a short input on the cooperative research instrument, the concept was then recapped in small groups. First experiences and possibilities for application in the towns were discussed together with the participants. In the process, the research approach of the 'reality lab' turned out to be very adaptable for municipalities, especially in the context of digitalization.

We thank everyone for the productive afternoon and are already looking forward to further exciting workshops!