A New Expert Community for Europe’s Triple Transition
The Glorious 42 has been created to support MADres in delivering its mission: Advancing design as a key enabler of Europe’s transformation for sustainable growth and economic value. As a curated network of academics, practitioners, and innovators, the G42 will contribute directly to MADres’ Playbooks, Train-the-Trainer workshops, Heart of Change coaching and Deep Talk events—ensuring practical, credible and future-proof resources for designers, institutions and policymakers.
Inspired by Douglas Adams’ classic reference to “the answer is 42”, the expert group is described as “the Keepers of the Answer”— they are the answer to the questions we do not yet know!
Thematic Structure of the G42
The G42 is organised around four thematic pillars that reflect MADres’ strategic priorities:
- Accessibility and Low-Barrier Design: 11 Experts
- Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics: 11 Experts
- Planetary and Eco-Sustainable Design: 12 Experts
- Strategic Business Case Development: 10 Experts
Together, these experts bring their specialised knowledge into each pillar, ensuring depth and credibility in every domain. Their combined perspectives create an interdisciplinary strength that equips MADres to address Europe’s digital, green and social transitions in combination with a competitive edge.
Composition and Representation
The G42 comprises 44 experts nominated by BEDA member organisations from more than 26 European nations. The group reflects diversity across region, gender, and professional/academic background—an essential condition for supporting the pluralistic nature of the European design ecosystem.
Read the G42 Public Report
MADres is committed to full transparency in the formation and functioning of the Glorious 42. The complete documentation—including the selection framework, thematic structure and onboarding process—is publicly available and can be accessed via the document.
*BEDA will have up to 42 experts per thematic pillar, to ensure the core function of the G42: being the answers to questions, we do not yet know.