Living Labs as Innovation Catalysts in the Silver Economy

This chapter examines Living Labs as innovation catalysts in the silver economy, addressing global population ageing challenges. Living Labs are participatory environments where older adults co-create solutions with stakeholders in real-world settings, transforming how ageing technologies are developed. Analysis of cases from Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America reveals how Living Labs address the 70% failure rate of gerontechnology by ensuring user needs drive innovation. Through co-creation, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and real-world testing, Living Labs develop effective ageing-in-place solutions whilst empowering older adults as active partners. Key challenges include digital divides, funding sustainability, and ensuring marginalised populations' participation. The chapter demonstrates that Living Labs provide essential infrastructure for demographic transitions, requiring supportive policy frameworks and sustained investment to maximise their potential for inclusive innovation.