Developing methodology for supporting SMEs' product development

Abstract

This paper discusses the important topic of how a regional Living Lab can help small and medium sized companies in their product or service development activities. The theory part of our paper discusses living lab methodologies and SMEs' innovation activities. As the empirical part we present a case where methodology is adopted from town planning and applied to support companies' user knowledge needs. As a result, the methodology provided user knowledge and also supported and enabled company networking. The paper highlights the importance and applicability of the Living Lab approach in traditional industries and the service sector.