Living Labs in Action - Designing coordinated collaboration in innovation processes

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of coordinated collaboration in three cases where each an idea holder has been selected in an open idea competition and then matched with a suitable Living Labs for user validation. Applying case study research we reflect on the operations of Living Labs that have been launched as a regional innovation policy instrument during the Finish EU Presidency in 2006. The contribution to innovation policy practice is an evaluation of concrete Living Lab activities along an innovation process and especially its coordination by network agents. In addition we develop a set of indicators that allows for measurement and analysis of progress in the innovation process through which coordination agents and Living Labs alike can substantiate their contribution to the innovation process.