Research, Innovation, and Society Research UnitDesign and innovation for the sustainability of ‘Made in Italy’ businesses and regions

Design and innovation for the sustainability of ‘Made in Italy’ businesses and regions

Introduction and Vision

In a context marked by environmental and social crises, sustainability is no longer merely an ethical choice, but a regulatory and market necessity. The Research Unit was established to explore and define an ‘Italian path to sustainability’, by highlighting the distinctive features of our production model: our ability to work with limited resources, our focus on customisation, and the deep connection between our cultural heritage and the social dimension of our work. Design plays a central role here as an integrative discipline, capable of transforming innovation into practical solutions and shaping the future.

Objectives

The UR aims to tackle the complexity of the ecological transition through an interdisciplinary approach, which is characteristic of a comprehensive university such as the University of Florence. Specifically, its objectives include:

• To provide tools and expertise to support ‘Made in Italy’ companies, with a particular focus on the interior design supply chains and a cross-sectoral approach.
• To promote innovation as a driver of competitiveness for the Italian economy.
• To respond proactively to new European regulations, such as EU Regulation 2024/1781 on eco-design.

Our Challenges

The research focuses on a series of key questions for the sector:

• How can life cycle assessment (LCA) be integrated as a design tool?
• How can sustainability become an added value for local production without falling into the trap of greenwashing?
• Is there an aesthetic of sustainability associated with ‘Made in Italy’?
• How can innovative storytelling be developed to communicate the value of local production to local communities?

Activities

The Research Unit is active on several fronts to promote technology transfer and knowledge:

• Research Projects: Participation in and submission of proposals for regional, national and European funding schemes.
• Contract Research: Development of direct collaborations with businesses and industrial partners
• Dissemination: Organisation of seminars and events to share research findings with stakeholders and local communities.

Workshops and Synergies

The UR works in close collaboration with the PNRR – PE/11 project, ‘Circular and Sustainable Made in Italy’. To carry out its activities, it makes use of the facilities and equipment of the DIDALabs network, specifically:

• Museo del Design Lab
• NotLab
• Design for Sustainability Laboratory

The Team

The Unit is characterised by a strong interdisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from various departments (DIDA, DICUS, DIEF, DILEF, DSPS, SAGAS, DAGRI, DISEI, DINFO) under the leadership of Prof. Giuseppe Lotti. It also actively collaborates with leading external partners, including the Experimental Centre for Furniture and Interior Design, Confindustria Toscana, Legacoop and Legambiente.