National Design Strategies and Country Competitive Economic Advantage

Abstract

This paper investigates the association between economic competitiveness and the existence of strategies for the promotion of design in different countries. It presents the findings of a survey that identified where design programmes, support schemes and national design policies have been adopted. Conclusions are developed comparing this map of design strategies with countries' economic sophistication and geographical position. Evidence shows that more advanced economies have been exploiting design as an asset for their economic advantage and for the international promotion of their image. In contrast, developing countries – with very few exceptions – have disregarded design as a tool for economic and social development.