LIVING LABS IN A LEAN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Living Labs (LLs) consist of social and dynamic environments that enable end-users and stakeholders to collaborate towards an innovation. This paper presents the concept of LLs and analysis on how it can foster communication and collaboration from a lean perspective. Key concepts, such as co-creation, common ground, shared understanding and boundary objects are discussed in relation to LLs. The paper highlights the synergies between LLs and lean, including the focus on users' needs and values, the use of participatory approaches and early inclusion of stakeholders in the decision-making process, for example. There is however lack of clarity in the literature regarding the concept of LLs and, hence, there is a need for future empirical research to enable a better understanding of the synergies between Living Labs and lean.