A review of global design economies: Implications for the future of the profession for policy formation

摘要

This paper reviews the evolution of the design industry globally in the context of Porter's Competitive Advantage of Nations theory, & its migration through resource exploitation, investment, innovation & wealth creation stages. The paper posits a further stage of economic development & reviews design's role at each juncture. Taking industry case illustrations across Africa, Asia, Europe & the US, the paper explores innovation, design utility & value across these differing stages, & identifies discrete design challenges within each scenario relating to infrastructure, cost bases, knowledge, strategic value, IP & entrepreneurship. A key element in each study is the recognition of emergent client sectors, the diversification of expertise, strategic partnerships, routes-to-market, challenges & evolving business models, & how these relate both to existing theories of design agglomeration & to new drivers exemplified by globalization, long tail economics & the digital economy. The paper culminates in an exploration of design & innovation policy within each specific context, & examines the implications of such policies going forward, particularly on design businesses, & in doing so, proposes a model for evaluating such policies.