The motivation is clear: in a world where threats are increasing, Defence must innovate more rapidly. What if… innovating with society was the game-changer to keeping us safe? This can only be achieved by tapping into the untapped innovative potential within society, working with pioneers who think beyond the established paths. Creative thinkers, proactive organisations, and engaged citizens can contribute to the safety of the Netherlands with fresh perspectives, knowledge, and skills.
The initiative for this Co/Lab comes from the Directorate of Knowledge and Innovation (DKI) of the Ministry of Defence. This directorate shapes the knowledge and innovation policy within the organisation. DKI functions as a strategic connector between Defence, knowledge institutions, social organisations, and innovative companies.
Muzus in action
Muzus investigates how people can contribute to Defence-related safety challenges, and thereby to the safety of the Netherlands, in an accessible way, so without a formal role or contract with Defence. During Dutch Design Week 2025, the studio will present a series of experiments at the Designing Society exhibition on Ketelhuisplein, opening up dialogue with the public in different ways about ownership, involvement, and perspectives for action.
Muzus is a design studio based in Delft. With a team of twenty-two designers, the studio applies a design approach to societal transitions and social challenges. They design change for the society of tomorrow, in co-creation with real people, the people who are directly affected. In doing so, the designers place people’s needs and experiences at the centre. Complex challenges require new ways of thinking and interpreting, as well as new ways of collaborating and acting. Muzus believes that a fresh design perspective and genuine co-creation lead to innovative solutions and meaningful long-term change.
"To innovate together for a better future, one must make the unknown imaginable and tangible. Only then all people in society can truly participate in the thinking process. And that is precisely what a design approach achieves.”
"Our safety is not self-evident. In order to protect it, new structures of collaboration are needed to arrive at smart and innovative ideas.”