In 2008, Parsons Paris launched The Knowledge Network, a research center dedicated to the dissemination and promotion of research in the fields of art and design. Under the direction of Dr. Brigitte Borja de Mozota, the Knowledge Network operates a Design Observatory to evaluate the state of design research, a project that recently included collaborating with the French Ministry of Industry on a study of continuing education opportunities for designers. In 2010, The Knowledge Network published a new research journal entitled Collection, encouraging the exchange of expertise between researchers and professionals through both articles and visual contributions. The first issue focuses on the intersection of sociology with art and design (Guest editor, professor Michel Maffesoli, guest designer Olivier Peyricot). The Knowledge Network at Parsons Paris is actively engaged in events and conferences, and co-hosted the 6th edition of Les Ateliers de la Recherche en Design with Université Paris I as part of Designer’s Days 2009. During Designers Days 2010, the Knowledge Network hosted 'A Conversation about Foundation', that brought together distinguished speakers from the Central Saint Martins, London, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, l'Ecole Municipale des Beaux-Arts de Gennevilliers, and the College of Visual Arts, Minnesota. In 2010, coinciding with the World Design Capital award, an investigation on the subject of creative cities has been launched.
