Abstract

In this paper, the authors investigate what determines the formation of policy labs and a broader concept of municipal cooperation in regions. In particular, the issue of policy lab creation, implementation, characteristics of, and the factors determining the creation of the policy lab are examined. The authors apply concepts of good governance within the quadruple bottom line as advanced by Alibašić (2018). Moreover, Feiock’s (2013) Institutional Collective Action (ICA) framework offers an additional lens to assess policy labs based on the effectiveness of service delivery determined by the size of the local government. An anecdotal review of twenty policy labs is provided with a specific characterization of policy labs. The ideal policy lab increases collaboration and practical application of research between academia and the government. Policy labs encourage and increase collaboration, interaction, engagement, educational outcomes, and innovation. The review of existing policy labs and their categorizations offers a glimpse of relative intricacies and potential for successful collaborations between regional and municipal government bodies and the academic community