Urban living labs as catalysts for innovation : advancing urban ecosystems within the quintuple helix model

Abstract

Innovation plays a key role in responding to increasingly interconnected and complex urban challenges, which require integrative approaches supported by technology, citizen participation, and collaborative governance. This study explores the transformative role of Urban Living Labs in shaping urban innovation ecosystems through the Quintuple Helix Model. By examining the interaction between academia, industry, government, civil society, and the natural environment, this research explores how Urban Living Labs can act as catalysts for collaborative knowledge production, co-creation, and policy integration. It employs a qualitative analysis based on action research considering three Urban Living Labs carried out in Portugal between May 2023 and November 2024. The findings emphasize that Urban Living Labs reduce uncertainties before large-scale implementation of urban solutions, but diverse stakeholder interests require mediation mechanisms for effective co-creation. Additionally, Urban Living Labs accelerate digital transformation, fostering more participatory urban development. Although the natural environment appears less frequently in discussions, its role in sustainability and resilience is crucial. The study reinforces that aligning technological and economic progress with knowledge, public policies, and ecological solutions is essential for long-term urban innovation. © 2025 The Author(s)