Design-based approach (pilot)

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 a design-based approach. 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.'

Pilot & program

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science has earmarked €9 million for a program to strengthen the impact of a design-based approach on social issues. The intended duration of this program is three years, from 2023 to 2025.

CLICKNL is the lead organisation for this pilot, cooperating with the Ministry of OCW, the Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie, Regieorgaan SIA, the Federatie Creatieve Industrie and the Topteam Creatieve Industrie. Also involved are the Social Creative Council and the Board of Government Advisors, among others.

The Power of Creativity
"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. A design-based approach helps to arrive at solutions, involving citizens and considering the Environment." - Multiannual Letter The Power of Creativity. Ministry of OCW

Key Enabling Methodologies
Bart Ahsmann, Director of CLICKNL: "From the top sector policy we have the task and experience to put knowledge and innovation on the agenda and programming for the breadth of the creative industry. This pilot fits this task and also fits well with the agenda for Key Enabling Methodologies (KEMs): in Design-Based Approach several KEMs are often combined with each other. KEMs help to arrive at solutions to social issues, with citizen involvement and consideration of the environment. A broader understanding of a design-based approach contributes to the further development of these KEMs and also ensures a better approach to social issues."

We are establishing a program that will actually lead to a greater impact of design research in the public domain.

Taking full advantage of potential
Renske Bouwknegt was appointed project leader of the pilot. Renske: "The uncertain nature of societal challenges makes them suitable for a design approach where concept solutions are shaped in a flexible way. However, the potential of a design-based approach is still far from being fully exploited. Its impact on societal challenges can and must be increased. I am therefore highly motivated to design the program in such a way that it will actually lead to a greater impact of a design-based approach in the public domain."