Challenges and dilemmas in strategic urban experimentation: An analysis of four cycling innovation living labs

Abstract

Living labs have emerged as a form of strategic urban experimentation in sustainability transitions governance among policy makers and researchers. Limited attention has been given to the various challenges and dilemmas when doing LLs in relation to enabling urban transitions. This paper unpacks 16 challenges and dilemmas that arise for different actors in the process of living lab experimentation. The paper combines theoretical insights from Strategic Niche Management literature and insights from transdisciplinary research on living labs with empirical data from a qualitative case study analysis of four cycling innovation living labs in the Netherlands. By contrasting challenges and dilemmas identified in literature and those derived from our data, we reflect on key gaps between conceptual aspirations and empirical realities of strategic urban experimentation in sustainability transitions.