Current Projects

The current programme of activities currently includes:

Support services delivered directly to business.
IIDPS are currently delivering a management development programme of workshops focussed on new product development capability in partnership with the Wales Quality Centre. For organisations in the manufacturing sector this programme is available with significant financial support from the Sector Skills Council.

We have recently completed a series of trend prediction events for Scottish Enterprise.

Design policy advice & guidance for regional economic development offices.
IIDPS recently supported Scottish Enterprise in working with design-related stakeholders from industry, academia, the creative industries and the public sector through a bespoke process that facilitated meaningful engagement. The outputs are to be used to develop proposals for future design support programmes that fit the unique needs and strengths of the region.

Networks.
SEE Project - Since September 2008 Design Wales has led a network of 11 European design organisations and regional policy makers with a focus on understanding and developing the role of design in realising innovation policy. This network is funded 75% by the European Commission and 25% by the Welsh Assembly (for more information visit http://www.seeproject.org/).

In the UK – Design Wales continue to lead the UK Design Support Network, which meets biannually around the UK.

In Spring 2010 IIDPS are to launch a professional Design Network for Wales. This new initiative will focus on the professional development of the design sector including a programme of events and workshops aimed at design agencies, individual designers, design-led businesses, design support services (such as model makers, photographers) and design students. Design Wales already maintain an on-line directory of design agencies in Wales, currently with over 250 entries (http://www.designdirectorywales.org/).