Innovation in Urban Policy: The Emergence of I-Labs as Instruments of Management and Governance

The article explores the rise of innovation laboratories (i-labs) as tools for innovation in urban policy, addressing the complex challenges of modern cities, such as inequality, environmental degradation, and fiscal constraints. The study uses institutional analysis to examine 33 i-labs across 30 global cities, revealing their role in experimenting with collaborative and agile approaches in urban public policy formulation. Using design thinking and experimental methods, these laboratories facilitate integrating government and society, creating an environment conducive to innovation in urban policies. The results indicate that, although many i-labs have a limited lifespan, some achieve stability by becoming institutionalized, ensuring the continuity of their practices. In conclusion, i-labs can be strategic instruments for more participatory and socially responsive urban governance, contributing to locally tailored urban policies and strengthening local governments' capacity to address contemporary crises.