Design Council Announces €3.8 Million EU Fund to Build the European Design Innovation Platform

Design Council Announces €3.8 Million EU Fund to Build the European Design Innovation Platform

Design Council has announced that it will be leading a consortium to deliver the European Design Innovation Platform (EDIP) - a project to increase the use of design for innovation and growth across Europe. The project has been co-financed by the European Commission.

The EDIP will be delivered over 3 years and aims to accelerate design-driven innovation in order to boost innovation, growth and job creation across the EU. It will do this by raising awareness of how design-driven innovation already increases efficiency in public services and drives business growth across Europe.

"We are humbled to have been selected to deliver this fantastic project," commented John Mathers, Chief Executive, Design Council. "We're delighted that we have the opportunity to champion leading-edge design across Europe and to unify the industry and best practice. This is just the kind of EU wide resource that is required to increase the use of design to stimulate innovation and growth in both the private and public sectors. We would love to hear from anyone who thinks they could help."

The project will be delivered in three key ways:

A web platform that will bring together knowledge and examples of design for innovation, from across the EU, in the public and private sector. This will act as a one-stop-shop for anyone interested in finding out the latest tools and techniques for applying design and making connections

A programme of events for European business people, public service managers, and policymakers to increase their awareness of design's role in innovation and growth, and inspire investment

Sharing the power of design with European industry through a consortium of 14 EU wide partner organisations, from NESTA to the Estonian Design Centre, and The Danish Design Centre to KEPA Business and Cultural Development Centre, Greece. Countries that currently lag behind with design-driven innovation will be equipped with the knowledge and tools, and confidence and capacity to catch up by being included in the project. Design Council welcome other organisations and networks interested in advancing design-driven innovation in their area to get in touch to discuss how they can contribute to the EDIP.

Design Council is confident that businesses and public services will see tangible benefits by integrating leading-edge design into their sectors through the EDIP. Its recent evaluation report, Design Delivers for Business, shows that every pound invested in design translates into £4.12 net operating profit, £20+ net turnover and £5.27 net exports. Other studies from across Europe resonate with these results. The Danish Design Centre found that companies who purchased design enjoyed gross revenues approximately 22% higher than companies that didn't.

21% of European companies are already using design as a strategic means to encourage innovation and the EU's design sector has an annual turnover of €36 billion. While design is a key European asset it has not yet been fully exploited. The EDIP aims to enhance this by promoting the adoption of design as a driver for competitiveness, prosperity and well-being in the EU. All forms of innovation, including non-technological user-driven innovation, need to be supported. A broad understanding of design will help Europe's enterprises to provide better products and services and increase the standard of living for EU citizens.

Design Council