Learning Factory as an Innovation Ecosystem

Innovation Ecosystems encompass a set of stakeholders that establish collaborative relationships in order to enhance innovation outcomes. At the same time, Learning Factories are frequently implemented as a result of a joint endeavor involving several stakeholders. Current literature exploring the role of Learning Factories as Innovation Ecosystems is still limited. This paper aims to discuss the connection between the Learning Factory and Innovation Ecosystem concepts and constructs. Therefore, a literature review and a case study are conducted. As a result of the literature review, a conceptual model of Learning Factory as an Innovation Ecosystem is proposed. Based on the conceptual model, a case study is conducted in an existing Learning Factory that features a collaborative network of supporting corporate partners with a university. The case study describes how the Learning Factory operates as an Innovation Ecosystem to foster joint developments among technology suppliers and startups. In this case study, the Learning Factory production environment was pivotal for identifying business opportunities and driving solution generation, integrating partners with complementary knowledge. We argue that positioning Learning Factories as Innovation Ecosystems may nurture the development of new solutions and enhance Learning Factories’ innovation outcomes. The main research results include the conceptual model of Learning Factory as an Innovation Ecosystem and the case study description and discussion.