On 18 September, CEI-Iscte is organising the first Policy Hack, an initiative forming part of the final phase of the European ECOPRISE project (February 2023 – January 2027), which developed the innovative Ecoprise model of regenerative entrepreneurship and the associated MOOC.

The event is based on the concept of a ‘Temporary Regenerative Zone’, inspired by urban regeneration initiatives currently under discussion in Lisbon. Taking the form of a policy hack, the session aims to foster collaborative reflection on territorial regeneration, the revitalisation of derelict spaces and local governance, bringing together perspectives on local development, sustainability, urban planning and civic innovation.

The Policy Hack is an interactive co-design process that seeks to apply the Ecoprise model to specific political, environmental, social, cultural and economic challenges, taking a disused territory or space as its starting point. The session will bring together experts, entrepreneurs, Ecoprise Designers, local development agents and professionals involved in community participation, with the aim of co-creating solutions for the regeneration of the territory.

A systemic methodology will be tested, integrating the Ecoprise model, Permaculture Site Design and the principles of ecovillage design, amongst other approaches.

The session will also outline the seven dimensions of the Ecoprise model — culture, purpose, regeneration, ownership and governance, networks, impact and replicability — and its integrated approach to sustainability and regeneration across ecological, economic, social and cultural dimensions.

The session will feature the participation of:

• An expert in regenerative design and permaculture;
• Ecoprise tutors and coordinators;
• Representatives from local development agencies;
• A representative from a local authority;
• Researchers and professionals in spatial planning, urban planning and architecture;
• Ecoprise Designers, participants who have completed the Ecoprise course.

The session will take place from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm in room A104 (Building 4) at Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon.

The event is open to students, lecturers and researchers at Iscte, as well as members of organisations or institutes working on these topics, subject to availability. Pre-registration is compulsory via the registration form.