How does the space influence Living Labs? Evidence from two automotive experiences

Abstract

Living Labs (LLs) are defined as innovation ecosystems that integrate research and innovation processes in a real‐life setting, in a logic of open–user innovation. Alongside the openness and user involvement, the real‐life setting is seen as the third key element in which LLs are rooted and it defines the space where the innovation process takes place. However, so far little attention has been given to whether and how space influences LLs. Hence, borrowing the concept of Enabler Spaces as multidimensional containers fostering innovation processes, the aim of this paper is to improve the theoretical conceptualization of the real‐life setting dimension of LLs. To do this, the paper will investigate how the physical, social, and organizational spatial dimensions interrelate with and influence the other two elements characterizing LLs, ultimately shaping their governance. In doing so, two case studies of LLs focusing on new forms of mobility grounded in two different (open and closed) physical spaces will be analyzed. Results offer arguments for further investigation into the relationships between the real‐life setting of LLs based on physical spaces and the social and organizational dimension of the innovation space.

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Places and spaces of collaborative R&D and innovation: navigating the role of physical and virtual contexts

“…Della Santa et al. (2022) investigate the role of space in fostering innovation processes in living labs, which are characterized by their openness, user involvement, and real‐life settings. The authors conducted a comparative case study of two living labs in the automotive industry, examining the physical, social, and organizational spatial dimensions of each living lab.…”

“…The special issue articles span a spectrum of themes, from the theoretical underpinnings of collaborative spaces to the effects of virtual and physical spaces on collaborative innovation. More specifically, they are examining cross-sector partnerships (Dzhengiz and Patala, 2023), collaborative innovation workplaces (Klooker and Hölzle, 2023), living labs (Della Santa et al, 2022), makerspaces (Zakoth et al, 2023), community-based collaborative dynamics (Capdevila and Mérindol, 2022), and hubs as spaces as part of the local innovation ecosystems (Haukipuro et al, 2023). Several articles specifically examine virtual collaboration spaces as a new and underresearched formation.…”