Project description
Designing for competitiveness in a changing Europe
Europe is facing major environmental, social and technological changes that are putting pressure on traditional ways of growing and staying competitive. UnEXTRA project explores how design can help Europe respond by turning constraints into opportunities, focusing on three interconnected challenges: resource scarcity, extreme conditions and the transition towards posthuman systems. Over four years, UnEXTRA maps European design knowledge, develops new skills supported by AI-based analysis, creates and tests prototypes, from physical artefacts to immersive XR scenarios, in sectors such as construction, textiles and furniture. Business models, future scenarios and policy recommendations complete the project's results and are supported by a trans European Regional Board that translates design solutions into practical actions, aligned with EU competitiveness, NEB and Green Deal priorities.
Objective
Europe faces accelerating planetary, infrastructural and cultural transitions that undermine traditional growth models and require new approaches to competitiveness. (Un)EXTRA demonstrates how design-led methods can redefine competitiveness as the capacity to adapt, anticipate and generate responsible values under constraint. Focusing on three wicked challenges: Scarcity of resources, Extreme conditions and Posthuman transition (SEP), the project reframes pressures as opportunities to design more with less, where
competitiveness means the capacity to operate under constraints, navigate instability, and thrive amidst complexity.
Using a mixed methodology of evidence mapping, competence building, anticipatory prototyping and strategic foresight, (Un)EXTRA, in four years will: map the European design ecosystem in an open-access knowledge tool (SEP Design Watcher); define and test a SEP Design Skillset; co-develop and pilot critical prototypes in several key industrial sectors, including construction, public safety, textile industry, furniture industry; and translate pilot data into scenario tools, business models and policy recommendations. Pilots will be tested and exhibited at international venues and local sites exposed to SEP challenges to assess technical performance and cultural acceptability. The consortium, including universities, design centres, industry and regional agencies, will mobilise a Regional Board to shape policy uptake and exploitation. Aligned with EU priorities on competitiveness, Green Deal and digital transition, (Un)EXTRA will contribute to the cultural transformation agenda that existing platforms and networks such as NEB and EIT Culture & Creativity are carrying out, leveraging design expertise to complement technological and infrastructural solutions to SEP challenges with creativity and participations.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.2 - Culture, creativity and inclusive society
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.2.2 - Cultural Heritage
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL2-2025-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
40126 Bologna
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.