A selection of our briefing papers on the impact of design on businesses and public services, written by the Design Council research and policy team as well as expert authors.
To survive in challenging economic conditions and stay ahead of overseas competition, UK businesses must add value – designing innovative products and services instead of cutting prices.
Investment in public services has increased dramatically over the last decade, but today’s services must respond to new challenges. These pressures make innovation essential – public services must be designed to meet the complex needs of users while delivering cost efficiencies.
The challenges faced by developed nations across the world – including climate change, changing demographics and intensified global competition – all require innovative solutions from public services. These solutions will need to be supported by smarter approaches to procurement from government and suppliers.
The UK is still fighting its deepest recession in decades. There are tentative signs of recovery, but businesses must seize the opportunity to innovate. Design is proven to foster business innovation by managing new ideas and introducing new products and services. Government must continue supporting design-led innovation across the economy – especially in the high-growth areas driving our recovery.
Measuring innovation and R&D has helped policymakers around the world develop policies that enhance competitiveness and encourage investment by firms.