Living Labs based on IT utilization and development of local community

Abstract

Living Lab is one of open movements regarding social innovation, which mainly utilizes scientific technology to improve local residents’ life value. Even though various attempts have been made, Living Lab projects that deal with actual life-related problems of local communities are not sufficiently being made. This study aims at organizing existing Living Lab studies and to draw political issues in perspective of solving regional problems and developing local communities. Above all, policies should be proceeded in a way that fully understands and reflects local problem since communication with local residents or end-users will be increased. It is required to support certain products or solution development that fits specific local situation based on their resource and demands. In addition, local small businesses or start-up companies should be given opportunities to conduct experiment and revise new technology, product or service on the spot. It would be a useful example to utilize ICT technology and contents such as local cable TV network, for Living Lab. Living Lab can establish itself as an effective reformation process only if it remains to function for the sake of solving issues of local community and residents. Practical undertones would be able to be obtained once this exploratory study turns into empirical case study.