A Living Lab Methodology to Foster User-Centred Health Innovations

Abstract

Despite the growing global popularity of living labs, there is still a considerable challenge in engaging end-users in a sustainable and valuable way as this is considered the cornerstone of this knowledge innovation ecosystem. We, therefore, explored the RESOLVE - Health program's six living labs' actions as a case study for the proposal and evaluation of a novel methodology framework to support key advancements in user-centred health innovations through the boosting of end-users' engagement and also help build trust and enhance value creation. By aiming to compensate for the lack of standardized living labs methodology, a three-phase framework comprised of a conceptualization, concretion, and specialization stages was proposed, while integration of tools, like SWOT analysis and LEGO® Serious Play®, that could be adapted to different living labs ecosystems was also tested. This study highlights the importance of tailoring the living labs’ actions to each specific ecosystem, such as by employing an action research strategy, to tackle the specificities and complexity of each unique living labs case. This study not only represents a breakthrough regarding prior research conducted in this field but also contributes to enriching the knowledge on the constantly evolving open innovation ecosystems.

Keywords: Living Lab, healthcare, Engagement, open innovation, innovation, Digital Health, Quadruple helix, action research