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

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.