University Living Labs Contributing to the Quintuple Helix

Medialab UGR, Impronta Granada and its Regional Approach

Summary: Key features in a nutshell

• University Living Labs as spaces of open and experimental innovation linking science, policy, and society
• Territorial focus through county-based participatory structures across the province of Granada
• Integration of the Quintuple Helix model (academia, government, business, civil society, and environment)
• Practice-based engagement formats such as co-creation workshops, policy labs, and science-policy events
• Coordinated by Medialab UGR within the “Impronta Granada” initiative and the ENGAGEgreen project

Description

This article explores the role of university-based citizen laboratories as spaces for social innovation, collaborative governance, and inclusive engagement. Drawing on the case of Medialab UGR and its umbrella initiative Impronta Granada, the study analyses how public universities can act as facilitators of regional innovation ecosystems. It focuses on the deployment of ten Living Labs known as UGR County Councils structured around the Quadruple and evolving Quintuple Helix models. These labs have enabled over 230 participants from academia, government, civil society, and the private sector to co-design sustainable, place-based solutions to regional challenges. The methodology involved a four-phase process including training, co-creation and continuous evaluation. Key results include the development of targeted action plans and the activation of science-policy dialogues grounded in local knowledge. The study highlights the strategic value of universities as political and epistemic actors capable of mediating between knowledge and democratic regional governance. It concludes with lessons and recommendations for scaling this model across Europe, proposing a situated, effective and inclusive approach to innovation that recognises the environment and region as active agents.

How does the format work?

Main objective and relevance

This contribution aims to document a methodological case study showcasing the implementation of a university-led Living Lab ecosystem grounded in the Quintuple Helix model. It provides a detailed account of how universities can serve as mediating infrastructures between academia and public administration, fostering science-policy interfaces that respond to regional and environmental challenges. The case is relevant for stakeholders interested in participatory governance, place-based innovation, and regional development.

Background information

Medialab UGR, embedded in the Vice-Rectorate for Social Innovation, Employability and Entrepreneurship, functions as the social innovation lab of the University of Granada. Through its strategic programme Impronta Granada, it has established ten UGR County Councils as thematic Living Labs across the province. These Councils operationalise a Quintuple Helix structure, engaging diverse regional actors in identifying, analysing, and addressing region-specific challenges. This model shifts from traditional linear knowledge transfer to a distributed and systemic approach to innovation.

Figure 1. Overview of the Impronta Granada project; Source: authors’ own schematic.

Methodological approach

The implementation followed a four-phase methodology: (1) internal recruitment and onboarding of academic participants with territorial ties; (2) expansion to include policymakers, civil society organisations, and business actors; (3) capacity-building and co-creation workshops; and (4) monitoring and evaluation. A participatory registration system captured over 230 participants, segmented by helix affiliation, thematic interest, and geographical connection. Tools included online seminars, thematic roundtables, SWOT analyses, and surveys. The methodology prioritised relationality, territoriality and multi-actor co-creation.

Key activities

• Internal call and onboarding of UGR academic and administrative staff, coordinated by Medialab UGR within the framework of the Impronta Granada initiative
• Identification of territorial links by participants (municipality, county, thematic interest)
• Development of ten geographically distributed UGR County Councils
• Capacity-building seminars introducing Living Lab and Quintuple Helix methodologies
• Co-creation sessions at the I Impronta Granada Meeting (Jan 2025)
• Collaborative roundtables and thematic seminars
• Evaluation surveys and impact assessments

Results

• Over 230 participants joined the Councils, representing all helices
• Eight action plans co-designed and linked to specific county priorities
• More than fifteen public and internal activities conducted
• Significant interest generated at European and international forums
• Demonstrated ability to trigger science-policy dialogues on local issues
• Strengthened epistemic legitimacy of non-academic knowledge
• Enabled hybrid governance model with decentralised coordination

Lessons learnt

• Territorial anchoring of innovation processes enhances engagement and legitimacy
• Flexible governance structures accommodate diverse local dynamics
• Political and institutional backing is essential for sustainability
• Hybrid (online-offline) formats democratise participation
• Co-creation works best when coupled with symbolic recognition (certificates, awards)

Transferability

The Impronta Granada model is scalable and adaptable to other regions seeking to establish university-led regional Living Labs. It requires minimal infrastructure, relies on open-source methodologies and benefits from aligning with EU frameworks such as the Urban Agenda, Horizon Europe and Erasmus+. The approach is especially relevant in rural or decentralised territories seeking to activate participatory public policy ecosystems.

Connection with the Quadruple/Quintuple Helix

Initially designed within the Quadruple Helix, the UGR County Councils explicitly adopt the Quintuple Helix model by integrating environmental and regional dimensions as co-creators of innovation. This extension redefines the role of place, recognising it as both an epistemic and political actor. Environmental sustainability, landscape memory, and regional knowledge shape the agenda-setting and solution design phases of the Labs.

Figure 2. The Quintuple Helix Model; Source: authors’ own schematic

Figure 3. Distribution of Quadruple Helix Participants in the UGR County Councils; Source: authors’ own schematic

Challenges

• Asymmetry in expectations, language, and timeframes between researchers and public administration
• Limited institutional incentives or recognition for academic staff engaging in policy-oriented initiatives
• Need for constant mediation and facilitation to avoid fragmentation and ensure productive dialogue
• Scaling up localised actions while preserving territorial relevance and community trust

Tasks and resources

Scientists

• Identify and translate local and regional challenges into research-informed questions and frameworks
• Participate in co-creation processes and workshops alongside policymakers, civil society, and other stakeholders
• Contribute disciplinary expertise to interdisciplinary problem-solving efforts within the Living Lab
• Act as facilitators of evidence-based decision-making, bringing scientific knowledge into the public debate
• Engage in the development and evaluation of participatory methodologies and tools used in the Lab
• Communicate findings in accessible formats to non-academic audiences, including local governments

Knowledge exchange managers and research managers

• Design and coordinate the overall structure of the Living Lab, ensuring alignment with institutional and territorial goals
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between researchers, policymakers, civil society, and businesses
• Mediate expectations and timescales between academia and public administrations to enable effective co-creation
• Manage logistics, outreach, and documentation of activities (e.g. workshops, policy labs, meetings)
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of science-policy interactions, contributing to continuous improvement
• Support the institutional embedding and long-term sustainability of Living Lab initiatives

Policymakers

• Bring forward local and regional policy challenges to be addressed collaboratively within the Living Lab
• Participate actively in co-design sessions and workshops alongside scientists and other stakeholders
• Offer practical and regulatory insights that inform the development of realistic and actionable proposals
• Facilitate access to local networks, data, and institutional support for implementing pilot initiatives
• Act as potential end-users of research-based outputs, helping to translate co-created knowledge into public policy
• Promote political buy-in and institutional alignment to ensure the adoption of innovative solutions

Sources and further reading

Carayannis, E. G., & Campbell, D. F. J. (2010). Triple Helix, Quadruple Helix and Quintuple Helix. IJSESD, 1(1), 41–69.

Romero-Frías, E., & Robinson-García, N. (2017). Social Labs in Universities. Comunicar, 51(2), 29–38.

Bergvall-Kåreborn, B., Ståhlbröst, A., Holst, M., & Mirijamdotter, A. (2015). A Milieu for Innovation – Defining Living Labs. ENoLL Summer School.

Do you want to know more about the policy engagement toolkit?

Do you want to share your experience in policy engagement? Do you think about contributing to the policy engagement toolkit? Feel free to contact Tome Sandevski via science-policy@uni-frankfurt.de