Assessing processes and results of living labs: toward a general framework

Abstract

Living labs (LLs) have gained recognition as a research method for addressing complex sustainability challenges. They have been applied to diverse topics such as climate-change mitigation, reductions in the use of fossil fuel, and resilience in agri-food systems. Despite the increasing application of LLs, the assessment of their results remains inconsistent, primarily due to the heterogeneity of projects and methodologies. Through a systematic literature review, we uncover how different LLs—focused on transformative environmental outcomes such as achieving a low-carbon society—are assessed. This analysis reveals different tensions in how assessments are carried out, along with blind spots. We propose the Theory of Change (ToC) as a promising approach to address the limitations in current LL evaluation methods. ToC models explicitly distinguish between short-, medium-, and long-term objectives, clarifying essential goals and preventing the confusion of differing time horizons. ToC also helps manage the tradeoff between broad multi-stakeholder involvement and significant co-creation, allowing stakeholders to pursue objectives at different scales and time horizons. We build on ToC and insights from the literature review to propose a framework for assessing LLs as a social change method that integrates stakeholders’ perspectives and values, facilitates systematic evaluation, and fosters meaningful co-creation. Adopting a tailored ToC approach for LLs could contribute to assessing transformative sustainability outcomes more effectively.

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