Varese: Rethinking for Transformation – A Partnership Between the Municipality and the University for Educational and Social Innovation

The Municipality of Varese, in collaboration with the teaching and Learning Center at the University of Insubria, has developed projects inspired by the Learning Cities model, promoting inclusive and lifelong learning. The Change Laboratory has been applied to counter early school leaving and improve welfare for the socially marginalised, actively involving young people, educators and institutions. At the same time, a training course strengthened the role of educators in the school system. These initiatives favour co-planning and coordination between local actors, transforming the city into a widespread educational laboratory. The approach adopted demonstrates how synergy between universities and local administrations can generate social innovation and sustainable development.