The Design Research Lab is an applied research center created by joint initiative of the University of Trento, Confindustria Trento, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Istituto Pavoniano Artigianelli.

The mission of DRLab is to facilitate the transfer and application of practical knowledge for the productive and administrative system of Trentino through Service Design Thinking methodologies that improve the design of services and the quality of their outcomes. DRLab work specifically addresses the transition from a product economy to a service and knowledge economy. Therefore its mission is to develop a framework of strategic action within the Trentino region and in the various components of the Autonomous Province of Trento.

DRLab methodologies and projects will be targeted to:

• support public bodies and private associations which are concentrated on the development of synergies in research, education, administration, technology transfer
• support public bodies and private associations engaged in the development of leadership areas of Trentino
• support the development of culture and field of service design
• contribute to the forefront of international research and debate on the foundations of service design methodology

DRLab aims to articulate broader European guidance for the application of design as a lever for local development.