Recording and Key Insights from BEDA Connect: Design Policy Mapping in Europe Report
On 11 December 2025, BEDA Connect brought together members and government representatives to discuss the Design Policy Mapping in Europe Report, which analysed over 200 policy documents across 39 countries to understand how design features in European policy.
Find the recording and the presentation of the session at the end of the page alongside other useful links shared during the session.
The study, led by Piotr Swiatek (PDR, BEDA) and co-authored by Regina Hanke (Deutscher Designtag, BEDA), fills a critical gap by systematically mapping design references in over 200 official government policy documents. It explores the role of design in national agendas and its contributions to innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness.
Key Learnings
- Design is present but fragmented: While only Iceland and Latvia have dedicated design policies, more than 100 strategies reference design—often in cultural, sustainability, and digitalisation agendas.
- EU drives inclusion: Policies linked to the Green Deal, European Bauhaus, and Circular Economy consistently integrate design.
- Design Policy Spectrum: A new framework categorises design inclusion from Overlooked → Mentioned → Integrated → Champion, with dedicated policies at the top.
- Emerging Trends:
- Growing systemic recognition of design.
- Mainstreaming of design language (co-design, user-centricity, experimentation).
- Risk of diluted impact due to scattered mentions across policy silos.
Voices from the Discussion
Participants raised critical points:
- Regional complexity: In countries like Spain, Belgium, and Germany, design action often happens at the regional level, making national mapping harder.
- Return on investment: Policymakers ask for evidence that design policies deliver measurable impact—data is scarce and needs deeper research.
- Coordination challenge: Ministries risk duplicating efforts without a shared strategy, diluting the design’s potential.
- Future needs: Attendees called for monitoring funding levels, comparing support programmes, and creating benchmarks for the design’s economic value.
Next Steps
National Policy Labs: A new call under the MADres Project will test collaborative approaches and develop a “Design Policy Umbrella” to connect fragmented agendas.
Interactive Profiles: Country-specific data will soon be available online for advocacy and benchmarking.
Closing message from speakers:
This report marks the starting point for a collective effort: use it to advocate for stronger design inclusion, share feedback to refine the data, and keep the momentum going through deeper research and wider promotion. Your contributions will be vital in shaping the next phase of design policy innovation across Europe.
Watch the Full Recording here: drive.google.com/file/d/1bl0WumkbRJNdZPlsQJkeVRTeGjRVW1lW/view?usp=sharing
This event was hosted by Dita Danosa (Latvian Design Centre), and the speakers were Piotr Swiatek (PDR) and Mark Illi (Swiss Design Association).
Useful links shared in the session:
- MADres Project: madres.beda.org/en/
- Design Policy Mapping in Europe Report: madres.beda.org/en/publications/design-policy-mapping-in-europe/
- Media Kit and promotional materials for the Report: madres.beda.org/en/media-room/design-policy-mapping-in-europe-report/
- National Policy Labs Call info: madres.beda.org/en/news/national-policy-labs-call-for-beda-members/
- Q&A National Policy Labs Call: madres.beda.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/national-policy-labs-qa.pdf