Living labs in agrifood studies: An opportunity to revisit fundamental questions about participatory research?

Abstract

The use of the term ‘living lab’ is now widespread, and in agrifood studies has been incorporated into research funding requirements. However, the methodological skills and prerequisites for successful living labs are not particularly well articulated. Based on our experience (five national and EU research projects) and our research backgrounds in (interdisciplinary) social science and participatory research, we highlight several risks associated with the use of living labs in agrifood studies without having the resources, reflectivity or skills required. These risks include: 1) imposing predefined agendas that are masked as participatory processes, 2) placing an overemphasis on confidentiality or knowledge sharing, and 3) getting lost in researcher roles. We argue that there is a need to discuss and improve understanding of these risks in order to produce successful living labs in agrifood studies, as well as avoid conceptual dilution or confusion.