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This study contributes knowledge to research on longitude innovation contests (ICs), specifically international ICs in cross-border collaboration and the challenges experienced by participants. Our research focuses on an international IC aimed at developing solutions for urban environment-related challenges in Health tech, Greentech, and Smart Cities. The IC spanned three years (2021-2024), where the most promising solutions were gradually funded. The IC involved ten science parks and one university from nine countries. 300 challenge owners provided 310 challenges. Initially, over 2000 SMEs suggested solutions, which were narrowed down to 33 SMEs developing functional products for international launch and also served as the source for data collection. Data were collected through an open-ended written questionnaire and thematically analyzed. The emerging themes of challenges from the data included time constraints, testing, user engagement, legal and regulatory issues, implementation, communication, logistics, and supply chain management, and business development. Limitations and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living labs share common elements but have multiple different implementations. Prior studies have revealed a lack of research on effective management approaches for living labs. Service harmonization is suggested as an approach to improve efficiency and to ensure the consistency of services and results regardless of the service provider. This study evaluates the living lab service portfolio and proposes a harmonized service categorization to contribute to ongoing discussions on living lab harmonization. The suggested framework consists of 18 services for Customer acquisition, 13 for Detailed project planning and 29 for Project implementation and dissemination phase as well as 9 repositories in Innovation ecosystem orchestration. Services are also classified into Back-office (N=29), R&D services (N=21), and 3) Auxiliary services (N=4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on the concept of Living Labs (LLs) as environments that facilitate innovations through knowledge sharing and exchange. The study aims to enrich the LL concept by applying ba concept anchored in Nonaka's knowledge-creation theory and exploring characteristics of the context that enable knowledge sharing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants representing different LLs within the selected case, a higher education institution (HEI). The findings reveal evidence of ba - a place for knowledge creation - in the LLs, with dialoguing and systemizing ba being the most frequently observed types and occurring in all LLs. The study also highlights the types of media and interaction in facilitating knowledge sharing within and outside the LLs contributing to the literature on LLs' knowledge environment. Further research is needed to explore the contextual factors and characteristics of LLs that enable various ba and their impact on project success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Users are regularly highlighted as a potential source of innovation (von Hippel, 1988, 2016, Bogers et al, 2010) but although they have considerable potential for enhancing both the front end of innovation and its downstream diffusion there are still questions about this approach. Whilst 'lead users; may well be willing and able to contribute their valuable insights there is a large gap between their involvement and the larger population of users who have the potential to contribute. We still need to learn more about the extent to which users can be involved and how their contribution can be articulated and deployed. The focus of this paper is on finding ways to give 'voice' to such potential user innovators in the healthcare sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate crisis has spurred legislative changes, prompting the restructuring of energy networks to combat environmental issues and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Nevertheless, existing business structures may not fully facilitate and support energy transition process. Green Innovation Ecosystem (GIE) emerges as a promising framework for fostering the adoption of green technologies and new environmental solutions. This paper aims to delve into the concept by examining a high-temperature heat pump energy integration case. Our goal is to contribute to the conceptualization of GIE, enhancing the theoretical framework, and offering practical insights for GIE actors. Through this exploration, we seek to advance understanding, promote effective interorganizational interaction, and green innovation adoption in the face of environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper aims to explore the impact of resources, dynamic capabilities, and strategic orientation on innovation as well as growth within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, we have developed eight theoretical constructs as research models, integrating a range of organizational factors that influence the innovation capabilities of SMEs and, consequently, their growth potential. The theoretical foundation of our perspective incorporates the Resource-Based View, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and Strategic Management Theory. Methodologically, the investigation employs rigorous data collection, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative measures, to construct and validate theoretical models that illuminate the multifaceted relationships between these determinants and SME growth outcomes. The goal is to provide actionable insights into the factors shaping SME evolution and the efficacy of innovation-driven interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study designs and tests a Virtual Risk Assistant (VRA) system combining rule-based reasoning, large language models, and business process management to automate risk assessments in workplace settings. The system aims to automatically analyze ergonomic risks, hence reducing workload of human risk evaluators. Test users validate the effectiveness of the system in a real office environment. Using VRA, the risk assessment was about seven times faster in risk assessment than doing the procedure manually. AI assigned risk probabilities were statistically comparable to that of human assessors, but assigned hazard levels were statistically higher. The study contributes to the body of knowledge for decision support systems by illustrating the potential of integrating artificial intelligence in real-world applications for more efficient business processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurial ecosystems have developed into an interesting field of research that is attracting a significant amount of academic attention. Nevertheless, practical experience shows that not all ecosystems are equally successful. This paper analyses the success factors of six different ecosystems. Using a methodology that combines in-depth content analysis and expert interviews in a multiple case study, we identify and compare the specific factors that determine the success of these ecosystems. By identifying which factors are transferable across different contexts and which are unique to specific ecosystems, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how entrepreneurial ecosystems can be effectively designed and cultivated. The results are relevant for both practitioners and researchers seeking to foster a stable entrepreneurial environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizations inevitably utilize external resources and knowledge to innovate fast and keep pace with new technology and market developments. A long-standing challenge for them is to 'protect' and 'profit' from innovation. While theory development on innovation and value concepts (i.e., value creation and value capture) continues, there remains a lack of definitional and conceptual agreements. Furthermore, despite the critical role that appropriability plays as knowledge permeates across organizational boundaries, extant scholarly work struggles to explain the overarching links with value processes. This study attempts to unify the studies on value creation and value capture using an appropriability lens. Further, this study exposes the difference between ex-ante and ex-post appropriability (as knowledge permeates organizational boundaries) and its relationship with a firm's open innovation capabilities. To address this research gap, the study proposes to conduct interviews with 'open innovation managers' to investigate the role of appropriability between value creation and value capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This submission focuses on the values influencing innovativeness of Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania - and Poland. The main focus is put on comparative analysis in the field of influential values, specific for each analyzed state, that have an impact on its innovativeness. Research is based mainly on the data from statistical summaries (EIS, GII, GSCI) that include several dimensions of innovation and sustainable competitiveness. The research emphasizes high differentiation in values influencing the innovativeness in individual countries and their importance depending on the country. Also, it confirms that there is no single recipe for innovation since the pace of innovation development in subsequently analyzed countries depends on different factors. Finally, he paper highlights the impact of the holistic, systemic approach on innovative development of selected states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses and investigates ways in which knowledge creation in a local textile ecosystem can have an impact on global business. The starting point is the co-creation of a local R&D micro factory. The purpose is to research the application of recycled local textile resources to production aiming to slowing down the use of virgin materials. Theoretically, the paper draws on theories on knowledge creation, including theories on embodied and tacit knowledge. Empirically, the paper uses the local R&D micro factory as a site of research (READY n.d). The participants in the READY research project are key industrial stakeholders and researchers from the textile cluster in Denmark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores public service innovation (PSI) in small municipalities across Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), focusing on the unique challenges within Functional Urban Areas (FUAs). As part of the INTERREG BSR project, our mixed-method research contains a systematic literature review, a survey of Public Service Providers and Authorities, a proposed solution, and the analysis of two case studies. We investigate the primary basic strategies that should support PSI to integrate innovative solutions in public services and identify effective planning and implementation strategies for PSI. Our findings highlight major difficulties in PSI, such as resource limitations, conservative operational tendencies, and leadership absence. Strategic collaboration, strong leadership, and clear communication with the community are crucial facilitators of innovation in small cities and municipalities. We proposed Building Blocks of PSI for improved planning and implementation in FUAs, thereby enhancing public service delivery through targeted technological advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent surge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has impacted both industry and personal realms. Businesses across various sectors have integrated AI to enhance data analysis, streamline operations, and facilitate global communications. This introduction of AI extends significantly into educational settings, affecting students' daily interactions and academic tools. AI applications assist in tasks ranging from writing enhancement to curriculum solutions, yet the emotional impact on students from AI's integration remains underexplored. This study focuses on the emotional responses of students to AI technologies in educational contexts, highlighting the need for careful implementation to avoid resistance and adverse effects on student wellbeing. This quantitative study with 162 students provides actionable insights for educational institutions and contribute to a responsible approach to AI integration in schools, ensuring its effectiveness and addressing potential challenges in student acceptance and overall impact on their educational experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's product engineering processes are subject to constantly changing conditions. To adapt to these conditions and maintain market success, it is important to consider not only current but also future customer, user, and provider needs. Changing needs lead to changing product requirements, which the products must be able to cope with. Strategic foresight as an approach to consider such future surroundings is becoming increasingly important. An approach to this matter is further developed in this paper. It prioritizes changing product properties based on strategic foresight. With the further developed systematic approach, development scopes concerning technical subsystems can be prioritized in such a way that possible future developments of requirements are considered. Specifically, it involves creating a roadmap that guides the prioritization of subsystems for product and system upgrades. The application of this systematic approach, demonstrated in the charging infrastructure sector, has revealed its enhanced applicability and value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our work explores the imperative for innovation leaders to go beyond conventional motivation strategies and delve into empowering their talent for optimal performance. The objective is not only to foster a supportive environment but also to equip innovative talents with the necessary resources, opportunities and tools for enhanced innovation capabilities. However, there is another angle to the relationship between human capital and innovation: the quality, motivation and loyalty of employees at a company can be affected by the innovation activities it performs, thus human capital can also be regarded as an outcome. The presentation outlines operational options to conduct further research on this two-way relationship. Our exploration of this angle also includes an inquiry into incorporating an outsider perspective in managing innovation. The key question addressed is how leaders can leverage external connections not only to stimulate innovation but also to provide learning and development opportunities for talents within the organisation. This would result in an increase in the human capital of the company. Leveraging data from sources such as the EU Innovation Scoreboard and WIPO Global Innovation Index, further research could seek to uncover patterns and relationships that can guide innovation leaders in optimising their strategies based on tangible performance metrics. In conclusion, this paper provides an insight into talent performance in the realm of innovation leadership. By amalgamating motivational culture with practical tools, external connections and collaborative opportunities, organisations can create an approach to let innovation and employee engagement strengthen one another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to understand how higher education institutions (HEIs) can support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to become more sustainable through aligning more closely with the ISO 56002:2019 standard on Innovation Management Systems. The paper utilises an international study with data gathered through semi-structured interviews with eight (n=8) case companies from five (n=5) countries across numerous industries. Preliminary results show HEIs can greatly support and play a large role in facilitating the green transition and sustainability activities of SMEs and start-ups. Results indicate understanding a company's innovation management system by both the company and the HEI involved improves the effectiveness of the provided support and its resulting impact on increasing the innovative sustainability capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

21st century more and more requires changes in higher education and higher education institutions (HEIs). Digital merger with social environment, aging society, industry 5.0 revolution gradually reduces role of industrial corporation R&D labs and shifts to the strengthening of the university's innovation capacity. HEIs became as regional engines for innovation and socioeconomical development and play central sustainability catalyst roles. Evolution of business ecosystem to innovation ecosystem requires also substantial change into university itself. Wide literature analysis allows to provide initial conclusions, that such change requires formation of new generation university model (university 5.0) to satisfy societal, industrial, academic, and governmental needs and interests. The digital era just started accelerating this process and provide new opportunities. The discussed framework would lead readers to better understanding of university 5.0 model and analyse potential for such change and its outcomes in a small economics where HEIs may lack of large critical mass starting required reforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recycling technology for spent lithium-ion batteries is critical for achieving a circular economy since it transforms hazardous wastes into valuable resources. Technology opportunities refer to the potential for technological progress in a technology field. Based on the perspective of technology opportunity analysis, this study focuses on identifying the technology opportunities of lithium-ion battery recycling technology by exploring the knowledge gaps between scientific and technological publications of the technology. This study improves the previous framework by using a deep learning-based clustering approach and introducing the Latent Dirichlet Allocation approach to identify the knowledge topics. The findings indicate that the scientific knowledge of recycling and preparing anode materials and the management and monitoring of the batteries need to be applied further in technological development. The technological knowledge of separating and recycling electrode materials has received less attention in scientific publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many higher education institutions are under-utilised as drivers of regional innovation, with fragmented innovation ecosystems and skills shortages hampering collaboration and limiting the development of entrepreneurial skills. The ILCA project, supported by the EIT HEI initiative, involves 5 HEIs and 3 research institutes from 4 EU countries (Lithuania, Finland, Romania and Bulgaria) and Ukraine. The projects have established a network of 5 Innovation Labs on Climate Change (Innolabs). These labs aim to overcome fragmentation and mobilise stakeholders for systemic change, contributing to ecosystem integration, regional growth and competitiveness by supporting start-ups and SMEs. The Innolab model presented in this case study allows stakeholders to benefit from the Innolab network across five countries. This case study shows how we can contribute to the collective knowledge of the innovation management community and broaden the understanding of possible models for systemic change activities in our regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores collectively shared and sustained craftsmanship, worker agency instantiated by physical fixtures and collective creativity in work processes and contrasts this practice with a pilot test of extended digitisation of tools, i.e. the application of augmented reality. The ability of the collective to establish, maintain and recover meaningful activities, procedures and processes is important in most workplaces and in collaboration in social groups. Collective know-how, i.e. procedural memory. The unit of study is an industrial team creative practice developing fixtures to support the assembly procedures of lever tumbler locks. Collective practices establish the skills needed to carry out a particular set of procedures. In summary, craft skills exist relationally - in the relationships between materials, objects, technologies, memory, feeling, different human actors and the chains of associations between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of incumbent manufacturing firms is nowadays incorporating sustainability principles into their business models. This shift is often referred to as sustainable business model innovation. This transformation process is at the same time beneficial and challenging and there is a need for more research clarity on leveraging ambidexterity to develop sustainable business models in response to environmental and societal goals in manufacturing industry. This paper addresses this gap by conducting a single case study on incumbent multinational manufacturing company from oil and gas industry. The findings suggest that balanced integration of contextual ambidexterity at the individual level and structural separation of exploitation and exploration activities at the company level can enhance sustainable business innovation. The findings provide considerable assistance and guidance to managers in manufacturing industry searching for ways to navigate challenges when aligning their business models with sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing climate change requires not only innovative approaches, but also collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts to foster sustainable living and resilient communities. EIT Climate-KIC emphasizes systemic transformations through collaborative endeavors. The ILCA consortium, part of EIT Climate-KIC, employs co-creation and interdisciplinary actions to foster social cohesion. Recognizing the need for future-oriented impact assessment approaches, ILCA aims to introduce the Prospective Rapid Impact Assessment (PRIA) method to engage diverse stakeholders in the cities effectively. ILCA, comprising five higher education institutions and three research organizations across 5 countries, focuses on green transitions, security, responsible tourism, and low-carbon lifestyles. Through PRIA, stakeholders identify priority actions and foster collaboration for effective climate action planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing process efficiency is crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) competitiveness. In the past decades, various solutions and tools have been developed to support enterprises in implementing data-driven process analysis and optimization. However, these solutions are mainly designed for large-sized businesses and thus they focus on standardized processes. However, processes in SMEs, particularly in small-sized enterprises, are often flexible and non-standardized. Therefore, there is a gap between the existing offers and the SMEs' needs. This study highlights the limitations of existing process analysis concepts in analysis of non-standardized and it offers a new concept to analyze such processes, via integration and video and sensor analysis tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a present sense of urgency in taking actions towards sustainable development and the 17 goals, it is necessary to create functional partnerships in society. This study will discuss the university-industry collaboration (UIC), which we suggest needs new prerequisites. The innovation management problem we address is: How can UIC be organized to support transformative innovation? This paper will focus on understanding the expectations of different organizations of collaboration, new forms of working together, and incentives to support this transition. Data comes from two parallel surveys, based on the UIC framework from Ankrah & Tabbaa (2015). Tentative results show that expectations are of importance but vary, with industry waiting for academia to both address and progress with the SDGs while academia suggests industry to be leading the development. Respondents propose ideas concerning mutual learning rather than knowledge transfer. However, the incentives for creating such UIC conditions appear to be lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary healthcare is marked by continuous technological advancements, a shift toward patient-centric care and preventive medicine, efforts to enhance accessibility, and challenges such as rising costs, data privacy concerns, and workforce deficits. Within this dynamic landscape, pivotal areas in healthcare include precision medicine and genomics, telemedicine, robotic-assisted surgery, medical imaging, and immersive training. Realizing the benefits of digital technologies demands a systematic approach that addresses both the opportunities and obstacles inherent in digital transformation. Maturity models play a vital role in assisting organizations to evaluate their readiness, establish strategic priorities, and track progress over time. By assessing essential dimensions, these models empower healthcare providers to align digital initiatives with overarching business goals and patient needs. Such initiatives not only accelerate innovation but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare delivery. This paper examines the significance of maturity models in guiding digital transformation initiatives within the healthcare domain. Utilizing a real-life scenario and the application of one of the described models, it delves into the major attributes of a holistic digital maturity model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to renovate the building stock have become a key issue to accelerate climate action and stimulate energy efficient innovation. The means available to the industry to achieve decarbonisation targets include the deployment of technologies such as heat pumps and the development of more circular business models. This article uses the socio-technical transition framework to examine the socio-technical regime of 'heating' in buildings. The aim of the paper is to examine the extent to which transition intermediaries (here a professional organisation) in the heating sector are impartial facilitators. We observe the role played by the French Heat Pump Association (AFPAC), which positions the economy of functionality as one of the ways to accelerate the renovation of individual dwellings by involving all actors in the sector. We examine its capacity to re-stabilise a socio-technical regime under pressure to evolve. We highlight the dilemma faced by facilitators of the transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decision-making process within public administration is a multifaceted procedure encompassing various stages such as initiation, preparation, actual decision-making, and execution. This paper investigates the structuring of data within municipal decision-making boards, highlighting its importance in fostering efficient data-driven decision-making practices. Specifically, the study focuses on the extraction of data from municipal systems for analysis using Artificial Intelligence techniques. Two primary analyses are conducted: categorization of decision-making cases and extraction of emotions from textual data. Initial findings from these analyses are presented, along with a discussion on the implications for improving public administration decisionmaking processes. Furthermore, this research addresses a significant gap in the literature pertaining to data-driven decision-making in public administration, with a particular emphasis on enhancing citizen participation in decisionmaking processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origins of radical innovation are not well understood. Described as the "fuzzy front end", successful innovation is typically recognised only in hindsight, obscuring the process through which it emerged. Sarasvathy's (2001) and later work on effectuation shows clear patterns in how successful entrepreneurs think, but offers few details on how they learned to defy conventional wisdom in management theory. This paper draws on a coproduced auto ethnographical study of how 8 student teams in Higher Education delivered radically innovative products (products unlike anything currently on offer). It draws on education theory and neuroscience, specifically situated cognition and the learning paradox arguing that radical innovation emerges in co-creation through interactions between cognitively diverse people in a complex adaptive system. Its key contributions are to add more detail to the effectual process and fill some of the gap between theory and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a research idea that aims to explore the research question: How can Responsible Innovation (RI) principles be implemented incrementally and transform common rules and strategies into responsible policies? The idea is based on the understanding that it is not only innovation policies that hinder or enable innovation and transition, but that all different kinds of policies and regulations have the potential to hinder or support innovation and the (sustainable) transformation of our societies. The main practical and theoretical knowledge bases, in addition to the RI-domain, are proposed to be the Three Horizons-framework's methods and theories, as well as methods and theories for responsible research and innovation (RRI). Through this research idea, the ambition is to contribute to the RI-field by complementing the current understanding of RI-practice by providing knowledge on how to gradually develop policy implementation as a means to enable transformative innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities have been studied as a platform for sustainability transformation and social innovation, mainly focusing on environmental sustainability and emphasizing governance and citizen roles as transition actors. Previous studies have paid limited attention to the social aspects of sustainability and the role of business organizations as producers of socially targeted innovation. Our study develops a framework for the identification of social sustainability impacts of communal neighborhoods. Considering the residents' collaborative efforts for creating the sense of community, this paper explores whether the concept of social innovation is useful in conceptualizing the social sustainability impacts of communal neighborhoods. We use the framework to illustrate initial findings of a case analysis of two Finnish communal neighborhood concepts. The findings of our paper contribute to the discussion on social value, which has been identified as a central theme in the development of social innovation research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product engineering is facing significant challenges due to the decreasing lifespan of products and the growing demand for sustainable alternatives. To develop durable and sustainable products, it is crucial to identify the areas that are affected by the trend of decreasing product service life. Therefore, a targeted investigation of these areas during the product development process is necessary to extend the product service life. The concept of upgradeable mechatronic products (systems) allows for future requirements to be incorporated even if they are not fully known during the product engineering process. This approach provides the opportunity to increase the sustainability of products by extending their service life. To understand the influences on product service life and incorporate them into product engineering, Tesla's Model 3 was investigated in a case study. Therefore, product changes resulting from different sources are examined. In addition, several subsystems could be identified as possible upgrades in the context of the cross-generational sustainability strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research proposal investigates the impact of Positive Psychology interventions on fostering a sustainable innovation mindset among university students in a Business Model Innovation workshop. By integrating Positive Psychology elements as empathy, strength orientation, and value exploration into the workshop, the study aims to enhance students' innovative thinking and ethical approaches to business. A quasi-experimental design will be employed, with students randomly assigned to either the intervention group or a control group receiving a standard workshop. The study will measure variables such as empathy, innovation mindset, and attitudes towards sustainable business practices through pre- and post-intervention surveys, complemented by qualitative insights from interviews and focus groups. This research anticipates that Positive Psychology interventions will significantly improve students' sustainable innovation mindset, contributing to more holistic, ethical business practices. These findings could have profound implications for business education, potentially leading to more socially responsible business leaders in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the role of universities in the formation of material cycle clusters through RDI projects, focusing on the biomaterial and biochar sectors. It explores the challenges and opportunities within universityindustry collaborations to leverage university research capabilities to support exploiting new material uses and advancing circular economy initiatives. The study employs a combination of action research and the opportunity space theoretical framework to evaluate how universities can enhance their contributions to regional economic development and industry innovation. Preliminary findings suggest that while universities play a crucial role in these collaborations, issues such as stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing, and agile management are critical for the successful establishment of robust business clusters. This ongoing research highlights the importance of effective coordination among diverse ecosystem actors to foster sustainable business environments and enhance regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital transformation has far-reaching effects on the work and organizational processes of the future. Non-profit organizations are also affected by digital transformation and should systematically pursue it. This contribution introduces a reference model and describes it in more detail. The approach places particular emphasis on the use of digital tools with strong involvement of volunteers. It is based on concepts of service engineering and design thinking, promoting cooperative and interactive collaboration among volunteers. The application of this model was validated in the context of volunteer work at the VDI Württembergischer Ingenieurverein e. V. The use case illustrates both the requirements that volunteers have for a modern nonprofit organization and the implementation of a requirement through the development of a custom app at VDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past 15 years, Livings Labs (LLs) have been emerging as a process for implementing Social Open Innovation in Urban Innovation Ecosystems. This approach has shown significant contributions to for example urban transition, garnering substantial interest from academia, practitioners, and policymakers. Nevertheless, LLs face criticisms regarding sustainability, monitoring and scalability. In this context, a key aspect for both understanding and managing LLs is the perpetual evaluation of the value creation that is being created through these processes. Existing (LL) assessment frameworks often fall short in providing both generalizable and context-specific insights. Therefore, this study bridges this gap by drawing upon established literature and frameworks, such as the Theory of Change framework, participatory assessment approaches, and existing LL value assessment literature. Through two co-creative focus groups, these theoretical foundations were applied to develop the Living Lab Assessment Method (LLAM). The LLAM represents a methodology for context-sensitive value assessments of Living Labs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current complex and ever-changing environment, service companies need to be ready to adapt to changes, learn, and innovate. This research explicates service development in SMEs as a continuous and innovative learning and design process. A framework is constructed on the theories of learning, design thinking and open innovation. Using the framework, five anonymous business cases are analysed. The research shows that developing innovative service solutions requires an individual and a company to question existing assumptions and practices. Good ideas are not enough, but testing and application of ideas are needed, as well as understanding which actions are reasonable, considering the company's strategy and accessible resources. Only this way will the outcome be a service that is valuable, useful, attractive, and easy for the customer to use. An organisational culture that promotes trust creates an encouraging environment to learn and create something new. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws attention to commercialization projects carried out at the university and the interaction of academic and business experts in project meetings. It demonstrates how structural and socially agreed power relations are involved in the process in which scientists and industry and innovation experts make sense of commercialization and actively prepare commercialization activities for research-driven innovations. Adopting the heuristics of critical sensemaking, the research claims that university-business cooperation has little impact on translating science into business if the cooperation remains at the level of meetings and occasional interaction. This is often the case in specific research to business projects. The main contribution of this paper is the illustration of the effect of power relations on how a specific sense of commercialization became privileged over the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]