A Multi-Sided Platform to Activate the Sharing of Digital Labs

This paper presents a business model for digital laboratories (labs) to promote sharing in network organizations. Using information systems design science research methodology, a multi-sided platform is created and evaluated as a sustainable business model. Digital labs complement theoretical concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to promote understanding of concepts, practical knowledge, and experiences. However, these labs are expensive and typically only available to local user groups, and not every university can offer the same or equivalent labs. Many universities are not well prepared to share labs with other institutions or to be part of a network organization. Among the findings are that digital labs are becoming more important, that there is an emerging trend from product- to service-oriented solutions, that a lab-sharing marketplace should provide targeted offerings for teaching and training, and that industry customers and students are showing interest in digital labs education content. The willingness to pay for students and industry is there, but for students the discussion remains ethical in nature as to who should pay for education. On the other hand, industry customers point out that there is a fear of losing intellectual property and security risks. This paper shows how a sustainable business model for digital labs activates lab sharing. Then universities can offer a better curriculum, instructors have more opportunities to provide a good education, and only then can students have access to more lab environments

Getting Collaborative Networks Sustainable: Drivers and Barriers Within a Digital Laboratories Network

Part 1: Sustainable Collaborative NetworksInternational audienceRapid technology changesand the transition todigitalisedproduction and educationpose significant challenges toengineeringeducation. Hands-onexperimentation requiresaccess to new technologies, often in a labsetting. Cross-organisationalcollaboration and resource sharing can reduce costs and increase utilisation. Success depends on trust, practicalresourcemanagement, smooth service delivery,and performance. This paper presentsan initial evaluation of a resourcemanagement approach using an online labbooking process,considering stakeholders'various roles and needs. In addition, we gathered external inputsthrough twosurveys targeting industry and students as potential customersandinterviews with professionals working in collaborative working environments to assess drivers and barriers to network success using SCORmetrics. These findings are essentialinputs for lower-level design decisions, such as designingtheunderlying business models, the relationship betweeneducation and research for the labs, the rules of use, and how to motivate collaborators