Mapping Living Labs in the Landscape of Innovation Methodologies

Abstract

A growing interest in living labs as a mechanism for innovation has drawn significant attention to both the different flavours of this methodology and to the organizations that put it into practice. However, little has been done to assess its impact and to compare its contribution to other innovation methodologies. This article aims to cover that gap by summarizing the most common European living labs approaches and positioning them in the landscape of user-contributed innovation methodology. The merits and appropriateness of living labs in these settings are also assessed.

Keywords

• innovation
• living labs
• living labs methodologies
• Open innovation
• user-driven design