Living labs and Circular Economy: A multiple case study

Abstract

Circular Economy (CE) emphasis minimizing resources and waste generation by transforming traditional take-make-dispose value chain into various circular value chains. Living lab approach has been suggested as a promising innovation approach for developing and testing CE solutions. However, in-depth analysis of what kind of co-creation and testing methods CE related living lab projects are applying is somewhat uncharted. By applying qualitative document analysis and in-depth interviews approaches, this multiple-case study is mapping living lab methods across the different CE value chain and innovation process phases among five companies participating in European Commission H2020 funded CIRC4Life-project. Visual matrix tool including eight CE value chain phases and six innovation process phases is generated to illustrate the evolution of living lab activities during the various innovation process phases.