247: Why should Europe invest in playgrounds?
How playgrounds, trust, and social infrastructure could shape Europe’s future.
I’m joined by Johanna Fabrin, Managing Director of 21st Europe and former strategist at IKEA’s innovation lab Space10, to explore how playgrounds — yes, playgrounds — could redefine Europe’s identity, resilience, and competitiveness over the next decades.
In this conversation, we look at why play might be one of Europe’s most overlooked strategic tools.
We discuss:
Why playgrounds are “critical infrastructure,” not a luxury
How play builds trust across diverse communities and cultures
Why climate-resilient playgrounds matter for European cities
How play prepares children for an AI-driven future labour market
What Europe can offer the world beyond GDP growth
“If we don’t believe that we can make the future better, then we won’t step up and take responsibility for making it so.”
Reading recommendation: Citizens by Jon Alexander
Project link: Continent of Play
