Living Labs in Open Innovation Functional Regions

This paper presents the conceptual framework of a new emerging mechanism to support the innovation and product development processes for the European Industry: the “Living Lab”. Living Labs are open innovation environments in real-life settings, in which user-driven innovation is fully integrated within the co-creation process of new services, products and societal infrastructures in a regional harmonized context (the “Open Innovation Functional Region”) catalyzing the synergy of SMEs Collaborative Networks and Virtual Professional Communities in a Public, Private, People Partnership. In recent years, Living Labs have become a powerful instrument for effectively involving the user at all stages of the research, development and innovation process, thereby contributing to European competitiveness and growth. This paper aims at identifying the conceptual framework for Living Labs implementation within Open Innovation Functional Regions, highlighting the various different phases of the implementation cycle as well as the expected benefits and impact for Industry and Society.