Kick-off and focus group workshop in the "Passion in the skilled crafts and trades" project
"The combination of head, hand and heart as the basis and signpost for the future of craftsmanship"
The Institute for Applied Research on Skilled Crafts and Trades, in cooperation with the Federal Monuments Office, the Federal Division of Crafts and Trades and 14 federal guilds, hosted the kick-off event for the study project "Passion in the skilled crafts and trades" on March 5, 2024. Craft experts gathered in the historic premises of the Federal Monuments Office in the Ahnensaal in Vienna to research and discuss the role and significance of passion in the crafts and trades sector.
The event kicked off with opening speeches by Dr. Christoph Bazil, President of the Federal Monuments Office, and Renate Scheichelbauer-Schuster, Federal Chairwoman of the Craftsmen's Association, who underlined the importance of passion for craftsmanship for society and the economy. The keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Radwan Kharabsheh, who linked passion in craftsmanship with the connection between heart, head and hand, provided a deep insight into the topic of passion in craftsmanship and laid the foundation for the subsequent workshop and discussions.
The core of the event was the interactive focus group workshop, moderated by Elisabeth Mayerhofer from whatisnextinstitute. The participants engaged in intensive discussions about the driving forces behind passion in the skilled trades and developed innovative approaches to promote this passion and prepare it for the challenges of the future.
The event clearly demonstrated that craftsmanship is more than just a set of skills - it is a way of life, a way of being characterized by passion, tradition and a willingness to adapt to the challenges of the future. Of particular note was the PESTLE analysis, which highlighted a wide range of influences on craft and how political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors shape and challenge the passion for craft.
The final presentation and discussion of the workshop findings provided participants with valuable insights and inspiring perspectives on how passion in the skilled crafts and trades sector can be harnessed to positively impact both the skilled craftspeople themselves and society as a whole. It became clear that passion in the skilled crafts and trades is a key driver of creativity, innovation and social cohesion and that fostering this passion will be crucial for the future of the skilled crafts and trades.
The results of the workshop will be incorporated into the "Passion in the skilled crafts and trades" study, which will be available at the end of the year.
Federal Monuments Office, Photo: Bettina Neubauer-Pregl
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