Living Labs as a Form of Innovation Development

Abstract

Purpose: The general purpose of this paper is to present living labs as a new form of innovation activity based on the concept of user-driven innovation. More specific goals are to show the development of living labs around the world and to identify the possibilities for the development of this new form of innovation in Poland. Methodology: Because of the lack of offi cial statistics regarding the effects of living labs, this paper presents the quality aspects of the problem. Findings: In Poland, living labs are in their fi rst stage of life. The possibilities of using new forms of innovation activities are determined by partnerships between firms, research institutions, authorities and local communities. The main obstacle for the development of living labs is the lack of an institutional and legal framework with respect to the concept of user-driven innovation. Research limitations: Because of their short period of life, it is not possible to estimate the effects resulting from the activity of living labs. Therefore, this paper presents only the theoretical aspects of this new concept and reviews the opportunities of using it in practice. Originality: The paper describes a new phenomenon in the area of innovation activities. The added value of the paper lies in the identification of various factors influencing the development of living labs.