Introduction
The StarK Living Lab is an initiative of Iscte Business School to promote innovation in the tourism and services sector. The Lab focuses on supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the hospitality, tourism and services sectors.
It promotes innovation in tourism and services by facilitating knowledge sharing, experimentation and co-creation of solutions. It acts as a collaborative platform where stakeholders, including students, researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals from the sector, can actively participate in co-design processes. These processes support the development and testing of new products, services and business models, ensuring that the solutions are practical, relevant and meet the specific needs of the tourism and service sectors.
Main Objetives
- To provide students with practical experience in solving real challenges in the tourism and services sectors through project-based learning activities in the Living Lab environment.
- To offer students opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation skills.
- Organise workshops, seminars and networking events that bring together industry professionals, entrepreneurs, teachers and students to promote collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
- Facilitate joint research projects and co-creation initiatives involving industry partners, academics and students to tackle practical challenges and develop innovative solutions.
- Create a mentoring programme that connects industry professionals with students to provide guidance, support and knowledge about the sector.
- Support SMEs in developing and testing new products, services and business models through pilot projects and experimentation within the framework of the Living Laboratory.
- Providing SMEs with access to the latest research, technologies and best practices in tourism and service innovation through workshops, seminars and collaborative projects.
- Facilitating the creation of networks and partnerships between SMEs, entrepreneurs and researchers to promote innovation and knowledge transfer.
- Promote sustainable and regenerative tourism practices that benefit local communities, minimise negative environmental impacts and contribute to the long-term economic viability of the region.
- Support the development of tourism and service businesses in underserved or less developed areas, contributing to a more balanced distribution of economic activities and opportunities.
- Conduct research and analysis on the economic impact of tourism and service activities, providing information and recommendations to policy makers and industry stakeholders to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development.