New report shows how design can strengthen the economy

The latest report by the Design Commission looks at how design and digital enterprise can bolster the UK economy.  

We welcome the publication of the Design Commission’s report, Designing the Digital Economy, which argues that the application of key design techniques in digital enterprise is vital for economic growth, job creation and improved, sustainable communities. 

The report highlights the growth of the UK creative industries and in particular that of the digital technology sector. However, it warns of the sector’s overreliance on London-based industry and recommends how government could do more to encourage expansion in the rest of the country.

We believe collaboration between government, designers and business at a local level is critical for the UK’s economy and we will continue to strive to support it in any way possible.

John Mathers, CEO, Design Council

Our Chief Executive, John Mathers, supported the report’s findings, saying: “As government advisor on design, we have long maintained the importance of leadership and collaboration. We are very supportive of the proposals to appoint a Head of Design in every government department and a Chief User Officer on all large government infrastructure projects.”

The report brings together the findings of an eight-month inquiry and illustrates 17 recommendations on how to stimulate change in both policy and culture across government and the design and technology sector.