I argue here for the creation of Labs as the optimal space and building block for conducting research and innovation in today’s society. Labs are conducive for cross-disciplinary research and problem solving, for knowledge sharing, and for providing a supportive environment for innovation. They offer a micro ecosystem or one-stop-space for creativity and open innovation.A living lab is a research concept and model, increasingly used in successful cities and research environments. It is premised on the creation of user-centred, practice- based, open-innovation spaces, which integrate research and innovation processes within a public-private-people partnership. Where successful, Labs are examples of disruption in practice; disrupting how we learn, how we do research, and how we solve problems.