The living labs concept enhancing regional innovation policies and instruments

This paper takes its point of departure in an analysis of regional innovation policies and policy instruments, dedicated to economic and social development, to explore the potential integration of living labs innovation concepts to enhance such policy instruments. It is argued that the living labs concept which is built upon principles of user driven open innovation has the potential to enrich the existing set of instruments for regional innovation policies. In order for this living labs concept to become effectively integrated as part of the set of regional innovation instruments, regional policy instruments must adapt and itself innovate. The paper identifies the key issues in making the living labs concept more effective for regional innovation and presents a set of recommendations regarding the role of the living labs concept in policy instruments for regional innovation.