Innovation in Living Labs: A Quantum Approach

Abstract

Living lab research is a well-accepted stream of innovation management literature. Although previous research has documented living labs from a variety of perspectives, the core of living labs and their principles remain largely underexplored. The present study analyses innovation in living labs inspired by the lens of quantum theory and its key concepts, including superposition, entanglement and wave function collapse. More specifically, the study applies insights from quantum theory to improve our understanding of innovation endeavours in living labs. The framework developed in the study illustrates how and why living labs advance innovations: they enhance collisions of individuals with different backgrounds and knowledge, thereby increasing potential realities (superpositions) and their collapses. The study contributes to living lab literature by suggesting that living labs can be seen as a realisation of quantum computing in real-life environments, speeding up innovation activities. While the study explores conceptual aspects, its findings can offer valuable insights for policy makers and practitioners engaged in living labs.