In a world where societies increasingly compete on innovation, cities are no strangers and aim to go beyond the provision of public services and the regulation of public goods. Open innovation has also taken cities by storm. However, Open innovation in cities has different objectives, methodologies, and aims than in the private sector.
Objectives are different because cities seek the common good above all. Methodologies are different because labs, platforms, and city ecosystems are of paramount importance. Actors are different because citizens, non-profits, research organizations, and agencies play a fundamental role. This chapter reviews more than a decade of efforts of open innovation in cities together with the lessons learned. It shows the tensions between the actual city structures and their ambitions, highlighting the importance of open innovation in cities and the urgent need for transformation and renewal.
