MANAGING INNOVATION THROUGH PARTICIPATORY PROCESSES

The paper reflects on the role of Design in specific research projects where: (i) the field of intervention is a geographical area, with its resources and opportunities; (ii) the approach adopted is participatory, including potential stakeholders in the development of solutions; (iii) the funding comes from public institutions or private foundations, thus the owner of the solutions generated is not predefined. In these projects Design assumes a leading role, guiding the process and facilitating the alignment of stakeholders. In this framework the ownership of the project emerges as a major issue after the funding finishes. Therefore a discussion on Design strategies to manage the transition from a protected testing environment towards self-sustainable solutions implemented in the market is presented on the basis of a Life 2.0 project experience.