Validate once.
Scale across infrastructure
Connected Testbeds is a concept being developed to link the UK’s real-world infrastructure testing environments into a coordinated national network, helping innovation move more easily from pilot to deployment.
The problem
The UK has world-class testbeds, living labs and innovation programmes, but these assets operate in isolation.
Instead of scaling, the system repeatedly resets. Connected Testbeds change that.
What is a connected testbed?
A Connected Testbed is a real-world infrastructure testing environment, physical or digital, that adopts a shared national Code of Practice for data, governance and evidence.
Testbeds include
Connected Testbeds builds on the existing landscape of living labs, innovation zones and sector-specific test environments — including the Station Innovation Zone at Bristol Temple Meads and the Connected Airport Living Lab, where new technologies are trialled within operational infrastructure.
When a testbed adopts the Code of Practice, it becomes part of a federated national network — continuing to operate locally while producing evidence that is recognised everywhere.
01
Federated, not centralised
Participants retain full sovereignty over their systems. We will be working up a project that outlines the aspects of data that allows proof of performance to travel with SMEs through the Connected Testbed system.
02
Validate once
Conduct rigorous testing in any participating Connected Testbed under the shared Code of Practice.
03
Document to standard
Evidence is captured in a consistent, interoperable format that any network participant can interpret immediately — allowing SMEs to work with future testbeds, leaders and procurers with confidence.
How to get started
Connected Testbeds is currently being developed with partners across industry and government. Whether you operate a facility, scale a technology, or shape policy, there is a clear route to engage.
Adopt the Connected Testbeds architecture to give your local experiments a pathway to using other testbeds and proving their product to potential buyers. Connected Testbeds can help link your local testing activity to a wider national network.
Build the evidence needed to move from pilot to commercial deployment. Access real-world testbeds through our programmes and industry network, validate performance and navigate infrastructure procurement pathways.
Connected Testbeds will provide a bridge between policy ambition and market adoption. Through well-governed real-world testing environments, generate trusted evidence, test new approaches to standards and assurance, and accelerate innovation across infrastructure systems.
