EUROPEAN COMMISSION OPENS PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON DESIGN AS A DRIVER OF INNOVATION

Brussels (Belgium) - The European Commission has opened online public consultation on the working document "Design as a driver of user-centred innovation." Open until 26 June, the results may lead to future joint European action including non-binding coop
Brussels (Belgium) - The European Commission has opened online public consultation on the working document "Design as a driver of user-centred innovation." Open until 26 June, the results may lead to future joint European action including non-binding coop

28.04.2009 News

Brussels (Belgium) - The European Commission has opened online public consultation on the working document "Design as a driver of user-centred innovation." Open until 26 June, the results may lead to future joint European action including non-binding cooperation, sharing good practice, and establishing benchmarks.

The consultation is taking part within the 2009 European Year of Creativity and Innovation and is built on the hypothesis that design is a driver and tool for user-centred and sustainable innovation and differentiation, complementary to technological R&D, and that increased use of design could increase European competitiveness.

Key within the document is a proposed operational definition of design:

"Design for user-centred innovation is the activity of conceiving and developing a plan for a new or significantly improved product, service or system that ensures the best interface with user needs, aspirations and abilities, and allows for aspects of economic, social and environmental sustainability to be taken into account."

The working document notes that while Finland, Denmark and the UK are seen as tapping into the potential of design as an innovation driver, other EU member states have yet to develop devote the same attention to design-focussed policy frameworks.

Icograda Affiliate Member,  (Bureau of European Design Associations), which includes representation from more than 10 Icograda Member organisations, has formed a committee led by President Jan Stavik (Norway) to coordinate BEDA's input in the process.

"Our Member participation in this process is a demonstration of Icograda's commitment to clear, consistent frameworks that recognise the value of design and leverage its potential to support economic, social and cultural well-being globally," said Brenda Sanderson, Icograda's Managing Director. "Supporting the establishment of design policy, at a national, regional and international level is a strategic priority for our organisation. As highlighted in the UN's Creative Economy Report 2008, there is a need for structures to provide data that will lead to informed, evidence-based policymaking. The scope of the EU consultation and process is a significant step toward addressing this need."

To participate in the online consultation, visit the European Commission website.

Downloads
Staff Working Document (PDF - 393 KB)



For more information, please contact:

The European Commission
E: entr-innovation-policy-development@ec.europa.eu
W: http://ec.europa.eu

Brussels (Belgium) - The European Commission has opened online public consultation on the working document "Design as a driver of user-centred innovation." Open until 26 June, the results may lead to future joint European action including non-binding coop
Brussels (Belgium) - The European Commission has opened online public consultation on the working document "Design as a driver of user-centred innovation." Open until 26 June, the results may lead to future joint European action including non-binding coop

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