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Development of a Tool to Support the Sustainable Management of Urban Living Labs as Platforms for Co-Creation

Author

Listed:
  • Fumiya Akasaka

    (Human Augmentation Research Centre, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Kashiwa 277-0882, Japan)

  • Mika Yasuoka

    (Department of People and Technology, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark)

  • Momoko Nakatani

    (Department of Information and Communications, Institute of Science Tokyo, Yokohama 226-0026, Japan)

  • Hiroko Akiyama

    (Institute of Gerontology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan)

  • Ryuichi Nambu

    (Actant Inc., Tokyo 169-0051, Japan)

Abstract

This study focuses on living labs as ‘platforms for co-creation (i.e., platform-level living labs)’, in which multiple co-creation projects on diverse social issues are promoted through mutual interaction. The long-term operation of such a platform-level living lab is important for achieving social innovation and transformation through the living lab approach; however, methods and tools to support its sustainable management and operation have not been developed. Therefore, this study aims to identify key elements and develop a tool for the sustainable operation and management of platform-level living labs. It undertakes a qualitative analysis of data collected from in-depth interviews conducted with experts who have organised actual cases of long-term practising platform-level living labs in Japan. We also conduct a case-based application of the developed canvas tool and find that it enables us to consider various perspectives that are important when setting up and managing a platform-level living lab. This study also provides a ‘first step’ for further discussions on a methodology for the integrated use of multi-level canvases in the sustainable management of platform-level living labs.

Suggested Citation

  • Fumiya Akasaka & Mika Yasuoka & Momoko Nakatani & Hiroko Akiyama & Ryuichi Nambu, 2025. "Development of a Tool to Support the Sustainable Management of Urban Living Labs as Platforms for Co-Creation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-24, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4357-:d:1653581
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Anil Engez & Seppo Leminen & Leena Aarikka-Stenroos, 2021. "Urban Living Lab as a Circular Economy Ecosystem: Advancing Environmental Sustainability through Economic Value, Material, and Knowledge Flows," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-17, March.
    2. Aksel Ersoy & Ellen van Bueren, 2020. "Challenges of Urban Living Labs towards the Future of Local Innovation," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 5(4), pages 89-100.
    3. Aksel Ersoy & Ellen van Bueren, 2020. "Challenges of Urban Living Labs towards the Future of Local Innovation," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 5(4), pages 89-100.
    4. Abi Saad, Elie & Agogué, Marine, 2024. "Living Labs in science-industry collaborations: Roles, design, and application patterns," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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