The main issues addressed by the APOLLON project are the present lack of Living Lab methodology harmonization and collaboration, and the serious difficulties of SMEs in engaging in cross-border Living Lab experimentation. APOLLON project seeks to provide concrete contribution to this identified gap with the creation of scalable experience based APOLLON methodology for cross-border living lab networks.
The main issues addressed by the APOLLON project are the present lack of Living Lab methodology harmonization and collaboration, and the serious difficulties of SMEs in engaging in cross-border Living Lab experimentation. APOLLON project seeks to provide concrete contribution to this identified gap with the creation of scalable experience based APOLLON methodology for cross-border living lab networks.
Methodology is a simple set of statements or a formal specification that is appropriate for the applied context and culture, and clearly documented and rigorously followed. In order for a methodology to be relevant and applicable, users must be involved in the process, and the practical realities of the available information technology and business environment accounted for. This means that methodology cannot be a static document. Instead, it must provide an adaptable framework for planning, building and running experiments and pilot projects.
APOLON methodology is developed in an iterative co-creation process. We will share the latest developments of the work with you on regular basis, and invite you to contribute to this work with your ideas, questions and comments. Methodology adds value only when in use, and therefore the early involvement of the targeted end-users, ENoLL community, would be highly appreciated and ensure the optimal result. Please send your feedback to [email protected]
Methodology development work began with extensive state of the art analysis on cross border living lab networks. The state of the art analysis concluded that the main objectives are similar: to know each partner better and to learn from each other. The exchange of best practices and lessons learned is seen as the most important goal of the network followed by harmonizing an integrating tools and methods between the partners. Finally, a third objective that the networks indicated is performing joint research. Here the aim is that between partners of the various Living labs and over the border of each Living Lab research on a larger scale is set-up and executed.
As a basis for the methodology development we have selected a holistic Living Lab management approach, and divided Living Lab management into four categories: Connect, Set Boundaries and Engage, Support and Govern and Manage and Track. The categorization reflects the stages of Living Lab network initiation, experimentation and evaluation. The objective of the categorization is to establish a common approach to methodology, and divide the related tasks and elements to easily managed entities. APOLLON methodology comprises of methods, tools, scenario, templates and other reference material for each of these categories.
Currently APOLLON methodology work focuses on developing the before mentioned methodology elements for each category. These elements will be presented at Apollon General Assemblee at 30th September 2010, and represent the first version of APOLLON methodology. Together with the thematic APOLLON networks we enrich and validate each of these methodology developments during the next 12 months. During this time we wish to actively involve also APLLON supporting partners and interest networks. Therefore we publish news and developments from our work in regular bases through various channels. Please take a look at http://www.apollon-pilot.eu/ and visit us at our stand at ICT2010-Digitally Driven at 27th-29th September 2010.