City of Casey

The City of Casey, located in Victoria, Australia, stands as one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most diverse municipalities. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid urban expansion, the city has positioned itself as a leader in community-driven innovation. 

Central to this innovative approach is the Living Lab concept, a place-based strategy that fosters collaboration among businesses, academia, community members, and startups to co-design solutions addressing local challenges. These Living Labs serve as real-world environments where ideas can be tested, refined, and scaled, ensuring they meet the community’s needs effectively.  

Adam Ryan, a founding executive of SEEK and an experienced innovation leader, played a pivotal role in this transformative journey. Serving in the Office of the CEO, Ryan was instrumental in designing the city’s Innovation Program and conceptualizing the award-winning Living Lab framework. His vision emphasized community co-design and agile experimentation, laying the groundwork for initiatives that have garnered both national and international acclaim. 

Under this framework, the City of Casey launched several thematic Living Labs, including the Digital Equity Living Lab (DELL) and the Circular Economy Living Lab. The DELL program, aimed at bridging the digital divide in Doveton, earned the Collaboration or Partnership Award at the MAV Technology Awards for Excellence and was recognized at the World Smart City Expo in Korea. Meanwhile, the Circular Economy Living Lab focused on sustainable practices, addressing challenges like construction waste and food security through partnerships with organizations such as OzHarvest and Reground.   

These initiatives underscore the City of Casey’s commitment to leveraging innovation for sustainable urban development, with Adam Ryan’s contributions serving as a cornerstone for the city’s ongoing success in this arena.