4p1: Evaluating living labs - finding a balance between transforming, learning and justifying

Abstract

Living labs are understood as collaborative platforms in which different actors from research, government, business and citizens work together in finding solutions for complex societal challenges. They are increasingly seen as an instrument to support sustainability transitions, such as transitions to a circular bio-based and climate smart society. Living labs can create spaces for joint experimenting and learning by exploring the barriers and possibilities for transition and to co-create viable solutions. These high expectations and the increased interest to work through living labs has sparked a keen interest in methods for assessing performance and effects of living labs. Various scientific views and practical approaches for monitoring and evaluation already exist. Policy evaluation or project management evaluation are results-oriented evaluations focusing on input, output, outcomes, and impact.