The JRC Makers-in-Residence programme, initiated in 2020, hosted in its first four residencies 14 makers from diverse backgrounds. The programme aimed to attract innovative projects, establish the JRC Makerspace as a hub for collaborative creation, and foster partnerships with makers. Key projects addressed topics such as pollinators decline, soft mobility, and Arctic indigenous knowledge.

This report evaluates the programme's outcomes and challenges, providing insights into its impact and potential future directions, with scientific relevance to EU research and innovation. The programme's success stories, such as the Commission’s citizen engagement toolkit on addressing pollinators decline, demonstrate its potential to support EU policy.

Based on the assessment conducted, recommendations are made to further enhance the JRC Makers-in-Residence programme, including:

• fostering deeper integration between participants and JRC researchers;
• establishing collaborations with other Commission’s programmes, in particular with the New European Bauhaus;
• foster strategic partnerships with external organisations, such as innovation hubs and other makerspaces; and
• establish a follow-up strategy and feedback mechanism.

These recommendations aim to strengthen the programme's impact and transdisciplinary integration, as well as improve the engagement of citizens in the topics of the projects developed.