Applying living lab methodology to enhance skills in innovation

Abstract

The focus of this paper is to indicate how skills can be enhanced in innovation through the application of the living lab methodology. When users are part of the creation of innovation in real-life contexts it can have a positive effect on the enhanced and developed of their skills. This methodology allows for the user to be an active participant in the co-creation of knowledge and innovation. This allows for skills development where user’s innovative skills can be enhanced and developed and which is also inline with the South African medium term strategic framework and the millennium goals of the Department of Science and Technology. Evidence of how the living lab methodology can enhance innovation skills was made clear during various visits to operational living labs in South Africa where communities are supported with skills development through their active participation as users in the co-creation of innovation.