Research

Primary Research

As part of our on-going mission to promote and advocate for crafts, ECA supports and conducts primary research related to crafts, craftspeople and the challenges and opportunities faced in the sector.

The lack of comprehensive data on the craft sector is a recurring barrier to development, innovation and support.

The objectives of these studies are to:

  • Promote an in-depth knowledge of the specific needs, characteristics, and vulnerabilities of the European craft sector all along the value chain, through research, mapping with a strong focus on gender equity, diversity, social cohesion; and ongoing and close dialogue with craft stakeholders and other policy sectors (education, youth, science, research and innovation, environment, employment, social affairs, tourism).
  • Generate a structuring effect on the European Craft sector through an enhanced capacity to respond to common (economic, digital, societal and environmental) challenges, nurture talents, innovate, prosper, generate jobs and growth and contribute to urban and rural areas development.
  • Enhance the role of ECA as THE representative organisation and voice for Craft in Europe, providing a critical voice, promoting, representing design-led crafts and applied arts at international and political levels advocating on regulatory and policy matters.

During the course of the CRAFTING project, we are committed to publishing 5 reports with data collection, analysis and research into different key topics facing the sector today.

These include: