Proximity as space of opportunity: connecting people, productions and territories

The paper presents the work of the Advanced Design Research Unit (ADU), currently involved in the experimentation of new services and products, able to face territorial issues coupling a proximity approach with a global perspective, contributing locally to the achievement of SDGs of EU Agenda 2030. This approach applied to the research and educational fields allow designing new solutions for local/global challenges (new flows of people, light reindustrialization, urban voids emergency, resources’ scarcity) in more imaginative, inclusive and sustainable ways. ADU learning and research structure is based on a quadruple helix approach to connect R&I, enterprises, PAs and communities. The synergies between design education and the productive environment of the Emilia-Romagna Region is strengthened by the launch of the new Research Center for Interaction with Cultural and Creative Industries, to define research lines and open design perspectives oriented to guide the dynamics of a responsible and cross-sectorial society.