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Design of a living lab for autonomous driving: an investigation under the lens of the triple helix model

Author

Listed:
  • Giulia Tagliazucchi

    (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)

  • Silvia Della Santa

    (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)

  • Francesco Gherardini

    (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)

Abstract

Living labs (LLs) are identified as innovation ecosystems to test and facilitate the diffusion of complex technological innovation, rising attention especially on cutting-edge automotive technologies. Autonomous and connected vehicles are indeed expected to deeply affect the automotive industry and the society in the coming years, by involving important technological, political, social, and legal issues. In such a complex framework, where different fields and stakeholders are deeply intertwined, new modes of interaction between multiple actors are necessary to support such technological innovation. By focusing on the case of the Modena Automotive Smart Area, an urban LL located within the Italian Motor Valley, we analyze the evolution of roles and relationships among the involved government, academia and industry actors. More specifically, by adopting the lens of Triple Helix model in practice, the purpose of the paper is to analyze how the actors contribute to and relate within the knowledge, consensus and innovation spaces, in a time span from before the formal inception of the LL to three years after. Results highlight how actors’ collaboration and participation unfold in the creation of the LL when complex innovative technologies are tested in real urban environment, hence contributing to burgeoning literature on LL and the current academic debate on triple helix model. Policy and practical implications are also derived

Suggested Citation

  • Giulia Tagliazucchi & Silvia Della Santa & Francesco Gherardini, 2024. "Design of a living lab for autonomous driving: an investigation under the lens of the triple helix model," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 49(3), pages 876-899, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:49:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s10961-023-10009-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-023-10009-x
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Triple helix model; Living lab; Technological innovation; Autonomous driving;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • L62 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Automobiles; Other Transportation Equipment; Related Parts and Equipment

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