A space for innovation process acceleration, supporting collaborative citizens workshops

The city of Nancy (France) launched a Living Lab approach for the redevelopment of its eco-district. The first step of this project focuses on ideas exploration with the organization of participative workshops grouping citizens, technicians and politicians around the same table. The Environment and Methodology of Acceleration space or EMA space proposes ten theoretical functions adapted to realize collaborative workshops. The operational implementation of the EMA space functions is analysed according to two Living Labs characteristics - uses analysis and multidisciplinary collaborative work - and discussed. Organizers skills and political willingness are key aspects of the workshops success.