abstract
- Highlights: Main Findings: Our research identifies key misalignments in current smart city practices and proposes a strategic framework for improving the efficacy of Urban Living Labs (ULLs). Specific strategies for ULLs are detailed, focusing on stakeholder orchestration and innovative experiment design. Implications of the Main Findings: The proposed framework enhances the sustainability and inclusivity of smart city initiatives by effectively integrating socio-technical innovations. Practical strategies for stakeholder engagement and governance in ULLs are provided, which can be adapted and applied in diverse urban contexts to foster collaborative innovation. Urban Living Labs (ULLs) are pivotal for promoting socio-technical innovation in smart cities, yet their role in achieving sustainable urban development remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by proposing a systematic literature review (SLR) to develop effective implementation strategies. Unlike previous studies focusing on individual aspects of these labs, our holistic approach emphasizes the orchestration of actors and innovative experiment design to co-create value with citizens. By addressing specific issues in current smart city practices¿such as the misalignment between technology and community needs and among stakeholders, limited citizen engagement, and the lack of iterative testing environments¿the study explores practical strategies for improvement. The proposed strategies illustrate how Urban Living Labs can serve as essential platforms for achieving sustainable and inclusive urban growth through effective socio-technical innovation integration. © 2025 by the authors.