ABSTRACT
The present paper will describe a critical approach for the product design field, related to the local identity of a territory and with its specific material culture. This approach concern both with the human dimension of the innovation processes and with the competitiveness of manufacturing systems based on the culturalization of the Economy, particularly in the traditional sector.
The current studies on sustainability for product design are mainly related to carbon emission reduction; this paper will highlight a new critical and practical approach based on how: the cultural identity of a place and the specific material culture could address traditional manufacturing sectors toward a competitive strategy for global market; the progress in science and technology could be addressed to the enhancement of the communities’ identity; the technological progress in the field of the enabling technologies could upgrade the traditional manufacturing sectors.
The paper will describe first the state of the art and then, with some practical experimentation, the results of technological advancement in the traditional artisans’ sector of the ceramic pottery.
In conclusion, the present paper aims to define possible approaches related to the cultural heritage, in order to enhance the competitiveness of the creative industries, balancing innovation through tradition, from the “hand made” to the “enabling technology made” manufacturing.
