Abstract
This study provides a reflective and empirically grounded exploration of the evolving roles of researchers within living labs. The research investigates how researchers adapt to shifting roles in the context of knowledge co-production, and what drivers influence these roles. A conceptual framework was developed by integrating existing models on knowledge co-production and researchers’ roles. This framework was tested drawing on extensive literature review; participant observations of the authors in two living labs in Brussels during a six-year period; semi-structured interviews with researchers; and collective discussions during focus groups. Findings reveal that researchers assume hybrid roles, from facilitators and intermediaries to technical experts, issue advocates and honest brokers, and that these roles were shaped by contextual factors, internal dynamics of the co-production process, individual capabilities and expected outcomes. This multiplicity of roles enhances responsiveness to local challenges but also creates tensions related to role ambiguity and academic and societal expectations. Adaptability and reflexivity are key researcher competencies for navigating these complexities. This underscores the need to maintain knowledge co-production as a core objective for innovations in living labs. Further research is needed on the mechanisms for researchers to steer co-production processes and the implications of their positionality within hybrid research environments.
Practice relevance
Practical guidance is provided for researchers engaged in living labs and transdisciplinary research. Researchers often have multiple and conflicting roles shaped by different contextual factors while developing their capabilities in stakeholder relationships management, facilitation and scientific contributions. Key insights include the need for adaptability and reflexivity as key competencies of researchers engaged in living labs. The findings encourage practitioners to actively reflect on their roles, define interaction strategies with stakeholders and align responsibilities with their own capacities. These lessons can help research practitioners navigate complex co-production processes and enhance the effectiveness, legitimacy and societal relevance of their contributions.