From experimental laboratories to citizen innovation

Abstract

The image of a citizen lab has been used to describe a vast and varied field of iniatives which in fact share organizational characteristics, as well as repertories, aspirations and methodologies. The same initiatives also maintain, nonetheless, considerable diversity, as a result of different processes of formation and consolidation. This arcle portrays the relatively recent history – of more than a decade – of Brazilian projects active in fields customarily associated with the scenario now usually belonging to citizen labs. To explore this panorama, I propose a brief compilation of previous work where I wrote about Brazilian digital culture, experimental labs and creative network arrangements, particularly from the point of view of public policies emanating from the Ministry of Culture. This historical overview suggests that a considerable part of the initiatives that now adopt the language of citizen innovation in Brazil has its roots in diverse, and older, sociocultural contexts. Recognizing and pointing out this heritage contributes to the relevance and effectiveness of citizen innovation projects, countering the relative novelty of this nomenclature. The article also brings up some recommendations previously directed to the elaboration of public policies of stimulus to the field of experimental laboratories, but which may also contribute to build eventual support for citizen innovation.