This research investigates methods in which companies (Large Enterprises (LE’s) and Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SME’s)) can be supported effectively in utilising design in their New Product Development (NPD) strategies – thus benefitting the economy through efficient innovation. This represents a highly original body of work bringing together findings from over 180 design research projects across private sector commissions (LE’s and SME’s) and a number of Government funded design support schemes (Improving Business by Design, Manufacturing Advisory Service - Design Pilot Scheme, European Development Fund - SME Design Support) all proposed and implemented by the investigator.
The research compares a number of combined design and funding support scenarios using the ‘success’’ of products to market (generating revenue, creating/securing jobs) as evidence of the relative efficacy of these methods. It proposes that companies who do not have design capability will have increased success when supported by a design capable body, that can manage and oversee all aspects of the design process from securing funding through to manufacture (activity that extends beyond design consultancy alone). The research identifies an 80% success rate for companies that utilise such support and a 90% failure rate for those that don’t. The research also indicates that there is little difference between projects which are 100% Government funded with those that are %50 Government funded or with those that are %100 Private sector funded. This has implications on how Governments can most cost effectively implement funding for SME’s in NPD.
Dissemination includes: Guest speaker, Origin Oman’s Product Design and Packaging Workshop: Panel member for the PEIE 2009 (Oman): Guest speaker, opening event of the University of Pelita Harapan, 2010 (Malaysia) Be Transformed Festival. Findings culminated in a conference paper presented Boston 2012 and Antwerp 2012
