KnowledgeLiving labs and the 4-Helix methodology: Collaborative innovation in the FU-TOURISM project

Living labs and the 4-Helix methodology: Collaborative innovation in the FU-TOURISM project

To support the system of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMEs) in Europe, the FU-TOURISM project aims to implement a 4-Helix collaboration methodology through Living Labs. But what exactly does this methodology entail? More importantly, what advantages does it offer over traditional research and development (R&D) models?

The 4-Helix methodology stands out for its inclusive approach, integrating four strategic sectors or stakeholders throughout the entire policy development, implementation, and monitoring process. These sectors are:

  1. Industry: Provides expertise in commercial activities and economic benefit generation.
  2. Public Institutions: Represent the institutional perspective, offering key experience in public policies and their limitations.
  3. Academic Institutions: Connect with innovations from the academic field and play a significant role in training future generations.
  4. Civil Society: Brings a local perspective, representing the demands and needs of citizens, enabling projects to have a more social and ethical focus.

The inclusion of these four sectors aims to provide a more holistic and balanced approach compared to traditional methodologies, which can sometimes become disconnected from the actual needs of the beneficiaries.

The 4-Helix methodology is particularly valuable for projects that not only aim to develop specific innovations but also aspire to bring about a paradigm shift in an entire sector. In the case of the FU-TOURISM project, which focuses on the digital and energy transition of the tourism sector, this methodology allows for leveraging the vision and expertise of the four key sectors for policy success.

This approach facilitates the identification of risks and opportunities and is carried out within the context of Living Labs. These labs serve a triple function: incorporating diverse perspectives to reduce the knowledge gap, providing a safe environment for experimentation, and serving as a space for reflection, learning, and building trust-based relationships between sectors.

However, the 4-Helix methodology also presents challenges due to the diversity of stakeholders and their varied interests. To overcome these challenges, the FU-TOURISM project has developed a strategy that integrates the four sectors. This strategy is based on local-level engagement for subsequent replication at the European and international levels. The project includes initiatives such as workshops in each participating country, where representatives from the four sectors discussed the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of the tourism sector in the face of the green and digital transition.

Establishing links between the four sectors will help create a robust ecosystem to support SMEs, particularly in areas such as public procurement, public-private partnerships, open innovation, and spin-outs, which promote innovative solutions in tourism with both ecological and digital focuses.

Additionally, in line with the principles of the 4-Helix methodology, the project focuses on the local proximity economy, supporting social innovation in tourism and promoting the inclusivity of the local tourism economy. Thus, the long-term wellbeing of citizens and the prosperity of SMEs are at the heart of the designed solutions.

In summary, the 4-Helix methodology presents itself as a valuable tool for achieving the objectives of FU-TOURISM: transforming the perception of tourism as a tool for economic, sustainable, and ethical development. This methodology promotes a more comprehensive approach, based on a shared vision, common objectives, and equal responsibility among social actors.