Media labs as catalysts of journalistic innovation: Advantages and disadvantages according to experts

At the current crossroads of the media and journalism, innovation is emerging not only as a ‘nice thing to have’ but also as an urgent and peremptory need. In this context, innovation labs are seen as a structured and somewhat privileged space. However, a review of the academic and professional literature on the subject also reveals voices that are critical of these spaces. Given this situation, we ask ourselves what their advantages and disadvantages are. To answer this question, between 2021 and 2022 we conducted semi-structured interviews with eighteen experts in the field for two reasons: (1) because they themselves are linked to a lab and (2) because they are highly qualified experts in journalistic innovation in its various forms and academic experts as well. The results confirm that these laboratories offer considerable advantages, along with disadvantages, which can potentially cause operational problems. This confirms not only the instrumental nature of these spaces but also the fact that they are not truly necessary nor is their presence enough.