Pilot program Design Research

The Ministry of Education, Culture & Science has set aside budget in 2022 to develop a program to strengthen the impact of design research on social issues. The intended duration of this program to be developed is three years, from 2023 to 2025. The cabinet has earmarked €9 million for the program.

The coalition agreement states that the creative industry will be involved in societal challenges. State Secretary Gunay Uslu then writes in her outline letter about the impact of the coalition agreement: 'The innovative power of the creative industry is great. Makers and institutions in design disciplines such as architecture, design and digital culture can make an important contribution to tackling social issues such as energy transition and housing challenges. Designers have the knowledge and skill to show the possible future and alternatives with imagination. Moreover, it is important that the perspective of the user and citizen is properly included. Designers are ideally placed to do this. I will strengthen the use of design in social tasks by starting a program this year that increases the impact of design research. For this I am working together with the Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie, CLICKNL, the Social Creative Council, the Topteam Creatieve Industrie and the Chief Government Architect and his college.'

the power of creativity

The multiannual letter The Power of Creativity of the Ministry of Education, Culture & Science quotes: 'We need artists, designers and other creative professionals to tackle complex transitions. They have the tools to deal with change and can explore and imagine new futures. Design research helps to arrive at solutions, involving citizens and considering the Environment.'

think with us

The program will be developed in dialogue with designers. Would you also like to contribute to the development of the program?

CLICKNL is the lead agency for this pilot and cooperates with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Creative Industries Fund NL, Regieorgaan SIA, the Federation Creative Industry and the Topteam Creative Industry. In addition, the Social Creative Council and the College of State Advisors, among others, are involved.