The role of relational governance in innovation platform growth: the context of living labs

This paper aims to investigate the role of relational governance in innovation platform development, specifically investigating the context of living labs. Two longitudinal case studies are presented, derived from auto-ethnographic narratives, qualitative interviews and secondary documents, which cover the critical stages in the development of each living lab. Empirical insights demonstrate the relevance of coordination activities based on joint planning and activities to support innovation platform development across different stages. The governance role of research actors as platform activators is also identified.