Materials Designers. Boosting Talent towards Circular Economies

Materials designers is an emergent professional profile that has its roots in the maker movement and whose role can have a positive impact on the development of the circular economy. As preliminary research for the development of the MaDe (MaterialsbDesigners) European project, a qualitative analysis was performed in order to identify the specific needs, opportunities and skill gaps for materials designers training and exposure, as well as for the requirements for enhancing social and industrial awareness towards circular economy issues. Based on the collected data from existing materials-related design projects, educational programs and existing initiatives, a series of recommended key actions have been developed to define a European project that boosts creative talent towards circular economies.