STRATEGIC DESIGN SCENARIOS SPRL

Their core work

Strategic Design Scenarios is a Brussels-based design consultancy specializing in participatory futures, citizen engagement, and scenario-building for sustainability transitions. They help EU-funded projects design and facilitate multi-actor consultation processes — turning complex topics like energy behavior change and responsible innovation into structured dialogues with citizens, consumers, and policymakers. Their core method is "solutioning design": using design thinking to co-create visions of desirable futures and translate them into actionable policy or innovation roadmaps.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early work (2015-2016) centered on energy consumer behavior and large-scale citizen consultations shaping EU research policy (NATCONSUMERS, CIMULACT). In the later period, they broadened into responsible innovation governance across healthcare, nanotechnology, and ICT sectors (COMPASS), while maintaining their energy engagement focus with ECO2. The trajectory shows a shift from pure energy-consumer engagement toward cross-sector responsible innovation methodology.

They are evolving from sector-specific consumer engagement toward broader responsible innovation facilitation — expect future work in emerging technology governance (AI, biotech) where citizen voice is increasingly required.

How they like to work

Always a participant, never a coordinator — they function as a specialist contributor embedded in larger consortia rather than leading projects themselves. With 47 unique partners across 28 countries from just 4 projects, they operate in very large, pan-European consortia (averaging 12+ partners per project). This suggests they are a sought-after methodological partner that different consortium leaders bring in for their participatory design expertise.

Remarkably broad network for a small consultancy: 47 distinct partners across 28 countries from only 4 projects, indicating they work in large pan-European CSA consortia. Their Brussels location positions them at the heart of EU policy networks.

What sets them apart

Their niche is rare: a design consultancy that bridges the gap between complex research topics and meaningful public participation. While many organizations claim citizen engagement expertise, Strategic Design Scenarios brings professional design methodology — scenario building, futures thinking, solutioning design — rather than traditional survey or focus group approaches. Their consistent presence in CSA-type projects across different thematic areas confirms they are valued for their method, not their sector knowledge.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CIMULACT
  Directly shaped Horizon 2020 research priorities through citizen consultation across multiple EU countries — a project with real policy impact on how billions in research funding were directed.
• COMPASS
  Bridged responsible innovation across three distinct sectors (healthcare, nanotechnology, ICT), demonstrating the firm's ability to apply participatory methods beyond their energy comfort zone.