Living cells use dissipative self-assembly polymerization to quickly adapt and perform different functions (translation, mass transport, etc.). We are far from mimicking such systems. Thermodynamic and kinetic insights are important in order to elucidate the self-assembly behaviour of the different supramolecular systems. So far, only transient dissipative systems have been demonstrated. The design of new methodologies and techniques to bring and keep the system out of equilibrium are needed. In this thesis, we have developed new strategies and methodologies to tune, control and understand dissipative self-assembly. Constant influx of energy by chemical fuels or thermal gradients allows to keep the system under non-equilibrium conditions. T...