Whilst technology-driven innovation has been a fundamental contributor to the prosperity of Europe, the recognition is emerging that design-driven, non-technological innovation is now also a route to competitiveness.
The economic significance of design is based on its potential as an enabler to create reliable, desirable, user-driven products and services that are ecologically and economically responsible.
Design is not just about the way things look, it is also about the way they work. Design creates value and contributes to competitiveness, prosperity, and well-being in Europe. That’s why the European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN) and its member EU|BICs strongly believe that Design for Innovation can contribute to:
- Business: good design delivers better products, stronger brands, and new markets;
- Public Sector: good design puts people first, improving the experience and effectiveness of public services;
- Policy: EU, national and regional policies can help create the conditions for design-driven innovation.
In this context, the 25th EBN Congress intends to be a strong support to design-driven innovation across Europe and the Action Plan for Design-Driven Innovation, as well as to contribute to achieve the following Commission aims:
- increase the use of design for innovation and growth across Europe;
- raise awareness of how design-driven innovation increases efficiency in public services and drives business growth;
- create capacity and competencies to deliver these policies.
