Authors: Leminen, Seppo¹; Westerlund, Mika²

Source: International Journal of Product Development, Volume 17, Numbers 1-2, December 2012 , pp. 43-59(17)

Publisher: Inderscience Publishers

Abstract:

This paper focuses on Living Labs that are open user-centred environments for networked innovation development. Although the concept of open innovation has quickly attracted both the scientific and applied communities, research on Living Labs is scarce, and literature lacks understanding of the characteristics of the Living Labs model. We aim to describe what the Living Labs are from the innovation network perspective. Using a case study of a regional Living Labs initiative, we describe the key participants and their roles in the Living Labs network. In addition, we discuss their motives to participate in the network, as well as the outcomes and perceived challenges of innovation co-creation. According to our findings, Living Labs are a practical way of encouraging open innovation. They are dedicated inter-organisational environments that provide pertinent support for Concurrent Engineering's (CE) networked processes. The integration of users as co-producers in product development is imperative for success in the Living Labs model because it reveals their latent needs and enables unforeseen outcomes.

Keywords: SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY; Design and Product Development; Materials and Manufacturing; MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS; Operational Management and Marketing

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJPD.2012.051161

Affiliations: 1: Laurea University of Applied Sciences, SID, Service Innovation and Design, Vanha maantie 9, FI-02650 Espoo, Finland; Department of Marketing, School of Business, Aalto University, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland. 2: Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, 801 Dunton Tower, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa ON K1S 5B6, Canada

Publication date: 2012-12-01

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