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BEDA Launches MADres: A Strategic Initiative to Advance Design Across Europe

The Bureau of European Design Associations (BEDA) is proud to announce the launch of MADres, a forward-looking initiative co-funded by the European Union through the Creative Europe Programme and BEDA itself.

Why MADres?

MADres positions design as a key enabler of Europe’s digital, green, and social transitions. MADres strengthens the European design community by deepening expertise in three strategic areas: AI competencies and digital ethics, planetary design and accessibility, and business cases and development.
To ensure lasting impact, MADres is developing a Living Design Policy Framework—a flexible, adaptive model equipping our governments and institutions to integrate
design into national and EU-level policy agendas.

Introducing Glorious 42: A Strategic Expert Group

As part of the MADres ecosystem, BEDA presents Glorious 42 (G42)—a consortium of design-led experts advancing strategic thinking across Europe’s economic and political landscape. More than an expert group, G42 offers BEDA members access to deep expertise for conferences, symposia, and consultations. From sustainable manufacturing to disruptive innovation and complex societal challenges, G42 brings design intelligence to the forefront—shaping solutions where they are needed most. Professionals with academic or industry expertise in MADres’ strategic areas are invited to join G42 and contribute to high-level initiatives across the continent, while engaging with leading design organisations and practitioners.

MADres Advisory Board: Guiding Strategic Direction

The MADres Advisory Board plays a pivotal role in guiding the initiative’s thematic pillars: Design Policy, Planetary Design, Digital Ethics, and Accessibility. Comprising leading
voices from academia and the design sector, the Board ensures strategic alignment and relevance throughout the project.

MADres Advisory Board Members:

  • PhD, Marzia Mortati, Associate Professor of Design at the Department of Design, Politecnico di Milano
  • Deborah Dawton, Chief Executive of the Design Business Association (DBA)
  • Isabel Roig, Executive Director of the Barcelona Creativity & Design Foundation, President of the World Design Weeks
  • Päivi Tahkokallio, CEO of Tahkokallio Design+
  • Antonia Mochan, Deputy Head of Unit at the EU Policy Lab within the Joint Research Centre

Supporting Documents

Last updated : 30/08/25

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