The Next Nature Museum and Waag Futurelab are joining forces for the National Design Debate, the annual platform for critical reflection on the role of design in an evolving technological world. Both organisations have announced a three-year partnership to embed the debate within Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven on a permanent basis.
The National Design Debate brings together designers, technologists, thinkers and makers to discuss the role of design in society. Through this partnership, Next Nature and Waag Futurelab aim to create a platform where urgent questions surrounding technology, culture and design are discussed publicly.
Mieke Gerritzen, Creative Director at Next Nature: “Next Nature and Waag Futurelab both explore how technology is changing our world, each in their own way. Through this partnership, we bring pressing questions and thought-provoking propositions to Dutch Design Week, and create a platform for critical reflection on the role of design in a rapidly changing society.”
Shaping Europe
Europe has a rich design tradition, from Bauhaus to Dutch Design. But today, designers mainly work with tools and platforms developed outside Europe, often by big tech companies in the United States. What does this mean for European design?
This question is central to the National Design Debate 2026 – Shaping Europe. In an age of AI, digital platforms and geopolitical technological competition, designers, thinkers and technologists are exploring whether there is such a thing as a European design identity. Where does the strength of European design lie in a world increasingly shaped by technology? Should we develop our own tools, or does our role lie instead in critical reflection and cultural imagination? Is Europe a place where the future of design is being created – or are we merely thinking about it?
Structural partnership
Through this three-year partnership, Next Nature and Waag Futurelab aim to establish the National Design Debate as a regular annual event during Dutch Design Week. Both organisations share a strong interest in the relationship between technology, nature and culture, and view design as a key tool for making future developments visible and open to discussion.
“Our society is constantly facing disruption and transition. Art and design can play a significant role in addressing this,” says Marleen Stikker, director of Waag Futurelab. “With the National Design Debate, we make this challenge explicit, right when the design world comes together during Dutch Design Week.”
About Next Nature Museum
The Next Nature Museum, located in the iconic Evoluon in Eindhoven, explores how technology is transforming our world. Through exhibitions and public programmes on topics including AI, digital culture, space travel and biotechnology, the museum invites visitors to reflect on the future of nature and technology.
About Waag Futurelab
As Futurelab, Waag researches and designs technology for a better future. Waag examines new technologies and existing systems, and works with artists, citizens, designers and scientists to develop alternatives. Through public research, events and educational programmes, Waag empowers as many people as possible to contribute to the design of technology that puts people and society first.
Save the date
National Design Debate 2026 – Shaping Europe
Where: Next Nature Museum (Evoluon), Eindhoven
When: Friday 23 October 2026
Time: 16:00 – 18:00 hrs (with drinks after)
The debate is organised in collaboration with Dutch Design Week. Other partners contributing to the programme include BIS Publishers, the Institute of Network Cultures, NRC and more.
Keep an eye on our website and newsletter for more information and tickets!
