Real-world laboratories in theory and practice: Reflection of the research design regarding the sustainable transformation of urban spaces

Abstract

As part of the sustainable transformation of communities, real laboratories have been increasingly used as instruments in research projects since 2015, but their implementation has so far received little scientific reflection. Aiming towards the implementation of sustainable transformative processes, its participants are embedded in scientific research and practical experience likewise. Based on three research projects funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this article reflects on the extent to which "real-world laboratories" are constructed from a theoretical standpoint, function as an instrument of cooperative development and can contribute to the sustainable transformation of urban spaces.

In the projects, the approach of "real-world laboratories" is applied for successful sustainable transformation based on characteristics specified by Schäpke et al. (2017); however, with significant differences within the spatial scope, inclusion of the practical actors as well as the processes and procedures. The comparison identifies possible problems, challenges and opportunities for the implementation of real-world laboratories.