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.