Centre for Design Innovation (Design &) Innovation Policy in Ireland

Competitiveness, Enterprise, Knowledge, People, Sustainability

Design?

2004 The systematic use of design is a particularly powerful way for companies to improve their performance. Design can help companies to differentiate their products and thereby command a premium for them; it can also play a key role in delivering efficiencies and cost savings.

Innovation = R&D = Science & Technology

2006 €8.3 Billion investment to support implementation of strategy. Ireland by 2013 will be internationally renowned for the excellence of its research, and will be to the forefront in generating and using new knowledge for economic and social progress, within an innovation driven culture. Academic Research (PhDs) Graduate Schools Commercialisation (Patents/IP) Industrial Research (R&D spend) Sectoral Research Public Awareness (Science) Cross-border Cooperation (No mention of design.)

2006 €8.3 Billion investment to support implementation of strategy. Ireland by 2013 will be internationally renowned for the excellence of its research, and will be to the forefront in generating and using new knowledge for economic and social progress, within an innovation driven culture. Academic Research (PhDs) Graduate Schools Commercialisation (Patents/IP) Industrial Research (R&D spend) Sectoral Research Public Awareness (Science) Cross-border Cooperation (No mention of design.)

2008 Innovation Policy Statement & Framework Innovation is the creative process of exploiting new ideas 10 Key Policy Areas: Knowledge Creation Knowledge Transfer Skills Development Public Procurement Networks, Clusters, Gateways IP Protection & Management Services & Emerging Sectors Entrepreneurship & Business Expansion Partnership & Workplace Innovation Competition and Better Regulation

2009 We aim to develop a smart economy and become known as the ‘Innovation Island.’ The objective is to make Ireland an innovation and commercialisation hub in Europe … for innovative R&D-intensive multinationals while also being a highly-attractive incubation environment for the best entrepreneurs in Europe and beyond. Five action areas: Securing the enterprise economy Building the ideas economy Enhancing the environment Investing in public infrastructure Delivering efficient and effective public services

2007 Quantitative research on the increased business performance of small to medium sized enterprises using design in Ireland 2008 Case studies from six organisations taking part in regional user-centred design programme Precision toolmaker, crane manufacturer, airport, agricultural co-operative, college, software developer

2009 Guide to Good Practice in Innovation and Product Development Processes National Standard Body Step-by-step guide for SMEs to implement a process of managed innovation Design thinking, double-diamond, user-centred research

2009 InterTradeIreland Design delivers competitive advantage to business, but what is the state of the design sector to deliver on those needs? Recommendations to address both demand and supply-side: All-island design promotion campaign Assist expansion of the design sector Training for design practitioners Develop all-island business support programme

2009 Western Development Commission Leverage the creative heritage of Ireland’s North West to brand the region Creativity is an asset Creative sector is a significant catalyst for driving innovation in the regional economy Regional policy can help influence national policy

First-tier recommendations: Transfer creative capabilities into wider business environment to enable more effective development of innovative goods and services. Effectively brand and market the ‘Creative West’ Develop future creative talent at all levels of education Develop creative hubs for community of practice Acquire needed infrastructure (affordable, high- speed Internet access Establish a national policy for the creative sector Unfortunately the recommendations are without responsibilities for implementation

Thank you Centre for Design Innovation