LLiSA:About

From LLiSA

The Project

Create a multi disciplinary platform where different stakeholders can collaborate where the user is driving the innovation in real life contexts. Meraka will facilitate and coordinate the network and also

Arrange special sessions/workshops for knowledge sharing/best practices Form specific groups who focus on specific domains/themes Research on theories/models/examples of best practices for LL world-wide Provide access to resources and connect LLs with other stakeholders they were not aware of Collaborative effort to approach stakeholders Act as a basis from where knowledge can be disseminated, shared and change/impact in society can be seen Facilitate funding Hosting LLiSA wiki Attract students to do research in a multidisciplinary environment

The Development Goals

Create capacity for understanding, establishing and developing LL activities in Southern Africa Support pilot projects in Southern Africa Facilitate local and international collaboration and linkages Links developers, research organizations, industry and government together for advancing regional LL activities Establish LLisa network with feedback from LL in SA Establish LLiSA board Market LL to industry, government, wider audience Funding Arrange regular meetings of all LL in SA to share experiences based a specific theme/focus Liaise with international and local experts in specific areas of LL (M&E, LL labbing)‏ More wider involvement from government and industry Research focused on best practices with case studies and examples Develop a policy for LL in SA Have a dedicated community liaison person in Meraka to communicate/be involved in the LL communities Calls for participation/expressions of interest

The Context

Defining what value user-driven open innovation and Living Lab activities could provide in Southern Africa, at different levels (activity, system, policy), in economy (especially local economic development) and in society in general Supporting the development of appropriate Living Lab models for different Southern African contexts (e.g. rural, urban) Research activities on different aspects of Living Labs or associated RDI activities, for instance M&E, action research, user involvement or design methodologies, consortium development, sustainability models Open, participative, user-driven innovation – definitions, awareness, mainstreaming of ideas Development of user-friendly services and applications of ICT in different sectors of society, for instance in government service delivery processes International collaboration and partnering, creating links with e.g. other African initiatives, ENoLL, Nordic stakeholders and Brazil Impact of Living Labs on local and regional economic development and rural revitalisation Sectoral issues: health, education, tourism, agriculture, rural development BOP-business models / market-based solutions for poverty reduction Multidisciplinary collaboration, social sciences, ICT, engineering, business and economics, etc.

The Impact

Expertise support and opinions if necessary Funding Local international collaboration Links and networks Access to resources Conference calls See user-driven innovation in real life contexts

Research Objectives

To build a strong, coordinated and functional network between existing and potential Living Lab researchers, utilisers and facilitators in South Africa Facilitate learning about Living Labs and open user-driven innovation in South Africa To create a brand identity for LLiSA Encouraging collaboration between government, research organisations, the private sector, NGOs and users in Living Lab contexts Disseminate knowledge, experiences, build collaborative (project) activities and share resources among the members of the network Facilitate international collaboration, knowledge transfer and exchange between SA and Finnish/Nordic Living Lab experts and create international linkages in general To provide leadership for the Southern African activities e.g. give direction, develop goals, promote accomplishment of joint tasks, etc. Showcase successes and raising the status of Living Lab work in SA for impacting RDI policies and funding frameworks