@article{schmallenbach2026communication,
  title = {Communication Under Heterogeneous Expectations: Enabling Actionable Collaboration in Innovation and Experimentation Labs},
  author = {Matthias VOGEL Tobias SCHMALLENBACH and Giuseppe STRINA},
  year = 2026,
  url = {https://ibimapublishing.com/p-articles/47MGT/2026/4726026/},
  journal = {Communications of International Proceedings},
  volume = 2026 (8),
  abstract = {Labs have become a central organisational form for transformative innovation, yet their internal functioning remains poorly understood. Existing work documents structural typologies and outcome contributions, but the communicative micro-processes that let heterogeneous actors act jointly under divergent expectations are still under-theorised and under-researched. This paper develops a communication-theoretical account of how labs become and remain actionable. Drawing on Luhmann’s modern systems theory, Chesbrough’s open innovation framework and the boundary spanning literature, we analyse sixteen semi-structured expert interviews with science, citizen and business stakeholders from five German labs. The material comprises 1,396 codings, analysed through MAXQDA-supported qualitative content analysis combined with code-relations analysis. Six deductive dimensions and one inductive dimension structure the data. The central contribution is the Lab Membrane Model (LMM), which reconceptualises the lab boundary as a selectively permeable communicative space. The membrane realises three operative functions – filter, translator and amplifier – sustained by an inner architecture of four condensations and a personal deep layer. The LMM concretises Luhmann’s systems theory empirically, sharpens the coupled process of open innovation, and is operationalised for practitioners through the LabKompass diagnostic suite and the LabPuls monitoring app, which give lab leaders concrete, repeatable tools to diagnose imbalances, protect critical roles and steer their own reproduction.},
  keywords = {labs; communication; heterogeneous expectations; Lab Membrane Model},
  note = Article ID: 4726026
}