Living Labs for Rural Areas: Contextualization of Living Lab Frameworks, Concepts and Practices

Veronika Zavratnik, Argene Superina and Emilija Stojmenova Duh
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Veronika Zavratnik: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška Cesta 25, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
Argene Superina: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška Cesta 25, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
Emilija Stojmenova Duh: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška Cesta 25, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 14, 1-17

Abstract: Living Labs are spaces for innovative and participative research, development and activities that use multidisciplinary approaches and promote the co-creation paradigm. Our specific interest lies in exploring the value of the Living Lab concept for creating environments that enable equal opportunities for people living in rural and urban areas, and for making rural areas attractive places to live. Moreover, through the existing practices and research results available, Living Labs are seen as one of the important building blocks of smart rural development and an important step towards establishing a Smart Village environment. Living Labs are a valuable player in enhancing circular economy, digital transformation, local self-sufficiency and other elements of sustainable living. The main aim of this paper is therefore to put Living Labs in the context of rural areas and evaluate their possible contributions for sustainable rural development. This paper argues that the element of community and social change should be considered as a key element in enabling sustainable living.

Keywords: Living Lab; rural areas; rural development; (social) innovation; Smart Villages (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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