From Participation to Co-governance: Open Innovation Between Institutions, Citizens, and University in Urban Co-design Frameworks

Abstract This paper explores the integration of Open Innovation (OI) methodologies in urban planning and its implementation within the RAISE Spoke 1 WP5.4 project. The approach aims to overcome top-down decision-making by promoting collaborative ecosystems involving citizens, public administrations and local stakeholders through the implementation of Urban Living Labs (ULLs). The pilot case in the municipality of Cogorno (Liguria) is identified to implement scalable and replicable co-design processes empowered by digital technologies. The project identifies a co-managed governance strategy that enables citizens to take active roles in the co-production and co-management of public services. Beginning with the definition of multi-city clusters, the project envisions collaborative processes as the answer to shared needs. The proposed framework articulates four rounds of Urban Living Labs - needs assessment, technology co-assessment, policy co-definition and solution co-design - aimed at incorporating Urban Dashboard into governance structures. The overall goal is to foster inclusive practices and promote socio-economic empowerment. The conceptualization is presented as a transferable tool for municipalities in the Innovation Ecosystem to support digital transition strategies in polycentric, low-density spatial contexts.