Abstract
From health services to climate change policies, design professionals are increasingly engaged by central governments to drive transformation and innovation in the public sector, as evidenced in countries like the UK, Australia, and the USA. While a similar pattern has emerged within public administration in Italy, it remains fragmented and poorly understood, especially at the local level. This research employs a mixed-method approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative data to analyze the presence and capabilities of designers and design-trained professionals within Italian local government. The study integrates a survey distributed to key representatives across more than 7,000 municipalities, mapping and assessing designers and design-trained professionals diffusion and expertise offered, required, and needed. The anticipated outcomes of this research include the creation of a comprehensive map and capabilities assessment of design professionals within the most granular level of public administrations (e.g. municipalities), while simultaneously establishing an initial database to support the development of a grassroots network for designers and professionals in the field. The study informs targeted recruitment strategies for public administrations. It further contributes to additional insights in the evolving field of design for the public sector, ultimately addressing the persisting challenges in achieving widespread recognition and implementation in this endeavour. Future research should focus on addressing the identified gaps and exploring the potential of design as a transformative catalyst for the multifaceted challenges faced by local governments.
Presenters
Luca BaldiniPhD student, Department of Planning, Design,Technology of Architecture, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy Sonia Belhaj
PhD Student, Pianificazione, Design, Tecnologia dell'Architettura, Sapienza, Agrigento, Italy Angela Giambattista
Research Fellow and Assistant Professor, Department of Planning, Design,Technology of Architecture, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Design Management and Professional Practice
KEYWORDS
Public sector, Design professionals, Local governments, Capabilities
