Work

Relational Mechanisms, Community Leadership and Value-Based Governance in Digital Living Labs: The Catalonia Case

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Living Labs (LLs) are collaborative ecosystems designed to address complex social and environmental challenges through multi-stakeholder participation. The Collaboratory Catalunya project, launched by the Catalan government in 2019, aims to establish a re-gional digital LL by applying the LL methodology within an Internet-based innovation ecosystem. This study assesses the effectiveness, impact, and transformative potential of the project across Catalonia (Spain), based on surveys and semi-structured interviews with Quadruple Helix stakeholders. The results demonstrate positive outcomes in terms of cross-sector collaboration, the promotion of distributed Digital Social Innovation (DSI), and the acceleration of digital transformation within public and private organisations. Responsible DSI (RDSI) is exemplified by project which uses Information and Com-munication Technologies (ICTs) to address societal challenges while promoting inclu-sion, ethics, and public value. Moreover, it provides valuable insights into how regional and digital Living Labs can encourage innovation that is both systemic and responsible. It also highlights the role of public administration in encouraging co-creation and in-fluencing public policy.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su172411170

Authors: Fàtima Canseco-López, Marta Martorell Camps

Institutions: i2CAT, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

Language: English

Topic: Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896