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DistanceLAB was established to address the growing need for high‑quality remote work and remote services in the Baltic Sea Region. As digitalisation accelerated during and after the pandemic, many organisations found that technical tools alone were not enough: challenges related to trust‑building, communication, sustainability and strategy became increasingly visible. DistanceLAB set out to improve this situation by developing practical tools, new collaborative methods, and a long‑term network for innovation in remote and hybrid work. More than one hundred organisations contributed throughout the project by testing tools, offering feedback and sharing their experiences—providing an exceptionally rich basis for understanding regional needs.

One of the project’s key achievements is the DistanceLAB Online Hub, an openly accessible digital platform bringing together all tools, guides, methods, and learning materials created during the project. The Hub supports companies, public organisations, educational institutions and others in developing remote work practices, improving communication, and fostering innovation in distributed teams. Tools were grouped into clear thematic areas and tested in real organisational settings across multiple countries. Their design was refined through iterative co‑creation, and user feedback was consistently positive: organisations highlighted their practicality and adaptability.

Another major accomplishment is the establishment of Living Lab environments in each partner country. These acted as local experimentation spaces where tools could be tested, adapted, and improved with direct involvement from end users. Living Labs engaged SMEs, public authorities, NGOs, researchers, students and innovation centers, providing opportunities for cross‑border learning and long‑term capacity building. By 2025, all Living Labs were fully operational and continue to function beyond the project as part of the International Multi‑Local Living Lab Network (IMLLN), a lasting framework for collaboration and service co‑creation in the region.

The project also demonstrated that successful remote work relies not only on digital tools, but on shared practices, communication habits, cultural awareness, and soft skills. Through experimentation and international collaboration, partners developed new routines for online cooperation, learned to build trust in virtual environments, and integrated many of these practices into their daily organisational work. This cultural shift became one of the project’s most meaningful long‑term impacts.

DistanceLAB’s achievements were supported by a strong governance structure. A diverse Steering Group—including public authorities, government actors, private organisations, and associations—met regularly and played a key advisory role. Associated partners were actively engaged through news letters, event invitations, pilot consultations and ongoing communication. The consortium also represented the project at several European‑level events, such as EuroDIG 2024 and the European Week of Regions and Cities, strengthening the visibility of remote work development in the Baltic Sea Region.

During the project, all pilot groups (GoA teams) collaborated closely, meeting regularly to discuss progress, share target‑group insights, and identify synergies. Initial versions of all tools were published on the project website by the end of 2023. These tools underwent extensive testing with both local and cross‑border target groups throughout 2024. Feedback helped strike the right balance between expert content and user‑friendliness. Online hub was launched in 2025.

The project invested in dissemination and stakeholder outreach. DistanceLAB organised several webinars and hybrid events, such as the highly successful Test & Talk event in March 2024, which attracted 175 online participants. Consortium meetings—in Riga (2024), Stockholm (2025), and finally Lahti (2025)—further supported collaboration and included Living Lab visits, workshops, and strategic planning. In addition, an innovative BSR Thinktank event hosted by Centria in spring 2025 brought together multiple ongoing Interreg BSR projects, PA coordinators, and Interreg representatives to explore future regional priorities. The initiative was so successful that Centria plans to continue organising it.

As the project concludes, DistanceLAB leaves behind a strong and sustainable legacy. The Online Hub remains openly available and all Living Labs continue their activities within the transnational network. Partners have also initiated new collaborations and plan to build on DistanceLAB results in future projects. By combining technological innovation with human‑centred understanding, the project has strengthened the region’s capacity for remote work, supported sustainable digital transformation, and demonstrated how cross‑border collaboration can help organisations thrive in increasingly distributed environments.