Transitioning Urban Experiments: Reflections on Doing Action Research with Urban Labs

Abstract

There is a large diversity in lab approaches. We contribute to a much needed evaluation by reflecting on a specific transdisciplinary action research approach that transforms a conventional innovation project into a transition experiment. We show how the approach could be adapted in order to be applied to urban labs focusing on sustainability transitions in governance systems.Urban labs have gained popularity throughout Europe. They are a manifestation of the search for new forms of urban governance capable of addressing the complex problems that cities are facing nowadays. These labs typically aim to create space for transdisciplinary research, co-creation and experimenting with potential solutions to sustainability challenges. In urban labs in four European cities, we applied a specific transdisciplinary action research approach labelled as “transitioning of (urban lab) experiments”. Our approach consists of four steps: co-design of experiments, setting explicit learning goals, evaluating what has been learned, and dissemination and embedding of lessons learned. Critically reflecting on the difficulties encountered in the implementation of the transitioning approach, we conclude that it must be adapted when applied to urban labs focusing on sustainability transitions in institutional and governance systems rather than in socio-technical systems. We provide recommendations as to how the approach could be adapted.

Evaluation and Lessons Learned from a Campus as a Living Lab Program to Promote Sustainable Practices

“…The living laboratory (LL) concept is defined as "the co-creation process in integrating research and innovation in a systematic way, on a given territorial context" [7,8]. A wide variety of activities are carried out under the umbrella of living labs, and they feature many different methodologies and research perspectives [8,9].…”

“…(8) Identify and adequately resource project managers and key champions within the organizations. (9) Assess all potential projects using technical and sustainable criteria, as well as against alternative possibilities to ensure adequate due diligence. Ask the right questions.…”

Platform innovation in urban mobility transitions

“…Similar observations have been made in transdisciplinary approaches, and particular those in relation to urban experimentation. Challenges and dilemmas include overcoming conflicting stakes, priorities, expectations or problem definitions in transdisciplinary research (Culwick et al, 2019;Hessels et al, 2018;Scholl et al, 2018). Jahn, Bergmann, & Keil (2012, Lang et al (2012) and Hessels et al (2018) argue that a defining feature of transdisciplinary research such as urban experimentation is the challenge of integrating different bodies of knowledge (epistemic level), different interests (socio-organizational level) and establishing a common language that advances mutual understanding (communicative level).…”

“…For urban labs, also the mode of working of academics can undermine the ease of non-academics to participate (Culwick et al, 2019). In addition, Scholl et al, (2018) show that a challenge for urban labs is to have linkages with formal government structures to facilitate embedding lessons learned into practice.…”

“…In line with the abovementioned challenges and dilemmas, studies on transdisciplinarity also stress the importance of reflexivity about learning and the role of researchers Jahn et al, (2012). In the context of urban experimentation, Scholl et al, (2018) found that a lack of clear and shared focus on learning about new forms of governance can be a key challenge, as well as, too much focus on operational issues rather than capturing lessons learned. Transdisciplinary approaches aim at enabling mutual learning between science and society.…”