Applying a living lab methodology to support innovation in education at a university in South Africa

Abstract

The Living Lab paradigm creates open and inter-disciplinary environments where
 participants can interrogate challenges and co-create solutions. A successful Living Lab
 context incorporates a clear focus/vision, strong leadership, self-sustainability, a strong
 sense of community-owned challenges and the potential for sustainable community
 development. This paper discusses and outlines the elements of Living Labs, and how
 these have played a role in the establishment of a new Education Living Lab at a
 University in South Africa. Core values, stakeholders and key success factors of Living
 Labs are discussed. This is followed by the description of a case study of the
 establishment process of a Living Lab. The newly established Living Lab already shows
 success with collaborations and innovation between communities, industry, academia,
 learners and schools. This is illustrated in an application of the discussions on the Mobile
 Learning focus area - the first active sub-focus area within the Education Living Lab.

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am2015