1. What is the problem/issue being addressed?
In order to support cities to become more attractive places to live, work and visit, more innovative and more responsive of the needs of their inhabitants, workers and visitors, Limitless has realised that clients need to be empowered to:
• engage a variety of stakeholders including companies, innovation intermediaries such as innovation hubs, labs and coworking spaces, citizens, NGOs, innovation foundations and stakeholders relevant for specific projects in a truly participatory and collaborative process of ideation, co-design, prototyping, testing and development of innovative solutions;
• better assess the social impact of their activities;
• apply a more appropriate approach to boost urban innovation through appropriate bootcamps, tools and trainings.
2. Why is it important for society?
European and global cities are facing a growing number of challenges including integration of new migrants, growing social discrepancies, housing deficits, traffic, pollution, unemployment, and a decline of the community relationships.
To be able to tackle these challenges, cities of the future including urban innovation intermediaries and other urban stakeholders (businesses, authorities, NGOs) must become more innovative and more responsive to the needs of their users.
3. What are the overall objectives?
The key objectives of the project were:
• Carry out state-of-the-art research in social innovation, design thinking, smart cities, innovation process management and social impact assessment to support our project
• Further develop & package Limitless’ service methodology incl. an urban innovation lab toolbox
• Develop a methodology for impact assessment incl. impact assessment capability theoretical framework and instruments for measuring impact assessment readiness
• Regularly publish our thought leadership pieces in professional media outlets and at professional conferences, as well as get more active in European and global networks of experts in urban innovation labs and their use for smart cities
