Towards Design and Creativity in the European Work Programmes

The paper investigates the growing adoption of design approach and its tools and the emergent inclusion of design and creativity in the new funding programs of the Europe-an Commission. It is assumed as a progressive process, with specific milestones, that move towards cross-disciplinarity between different sectors, and integrate citizens’ inclusion in the innovation pathways at different scales. The contribution presents the turning points in the introduction of participatory methodologies and design as a multidisciplinary and transversal medium to foster a multi-stakeholders dialogue. The rethinking opportunity generated by the COVID-19 emergency has been seized by the European Commission, which put in evidence the relation between design and R&I processes, to foster cross-innovation and multiple knowledge, blurring the boundaries between creation, distribution and reception, with a special eye on culture and creativity.