This qualitative method based on the creation of Living Labs composed of key stakeholders who work together to answer focal questions using different qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, is an innovative method. It can be used by evaluators to assess the impacts of digitalisation, in the absence of more robust quantitative methods. It can also serve as a method to triangulate the findings of quantitative methods if they exist.
The main benefits of this participatory method are:
The method can be used to assess the impacts of digitalisation on processes like supply chain management. It may assess effectiveness, i.e. the ability to achieve (or not) a desired goal or demand, or capacity to successfully execute an activity or process. For instance, the accomplishment of new tasks, the creation of new services and values, the achievement of undesired goals. It may also assess efficiency, i.e. the ratio of resource/output of an activity in a given time.
Another useful element produced by the Living Labs was clustering the impacts qualitatively under enabling and disenabling effects (that influence effectiveness), diminishing and boosting effects (that influence efficiency).
Finally, the method may be used to assess(qualitatively) the links between digitalisation the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the context of DESIRA, focus group discussions and interviews amongst Living Lab stakeholders identified the frequency of general perceptions on the extent of these contributions towards the SDGs.