Living lab — A new form of business network

The paper discusses different types of Living Labs from a business network perspective. Firstly, we describe both theoretically and empirically how Living Labs can be explained as business networks. Secondly, we discuss four different types of Living Labs networks, namely utilizer-driven, enabler-driven, provider-driven, as well as user and user community-driven Living Labs. Moreover, we analyzed the underlying value-creation logic of each above mentioned Living Lab network. The paper is based on a qualitative research approach, in which a total of 40 semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of Living Labs in Finland, Sweden, and Spain and another 27 interviews with respondents representing ICT companies. Our main point is that collaboration in a Living Lab network can be described from a business network perspective. A Living Lab is built on relationships between actors, created and maintained by actors in participating in a Living Lab. Without these ties, a Living Lab could not function or create value.