Design Sector to be Studied
Design in Business Nova Scotia today announced an economic impact study of the design sector in the province, the first such study of its kind in Canada.
"The design sector is one of the most valuable resources available to Nova Scotia business, with the power to improve lives, products and the competitiveness of exports," said Frank Fox, president of the provincewide advocacy group. "Other provinces are very interested in the model that will develop from this groundbreaking project."
The study will identify trends, provincially and in other parts of the world, in which design has played a role in export operations and economic development. It will also look at how business can use design to become more globally competitive and how to expand the design sector in Nova Scotia.
"Design is being used everywhere in business," said Mr. Fox. "We'll be looking at design of products, landscape, crafts, communications, fashion, engineering, software and multimedia, as well as interior design and architecture."
During the process, an inventory of the Nova Scotia design firms will be compiled and used by Design in Business Nova Scotia as a business development and marketing tool. Profiles will be created that demonstrate how use of design leads to better overall business results and an increased capability to successfully export.
The study will be conducted by Fourth Wave Associates of Dartmouth, which aided the creation of a strategic plan for Design in Business Nova Scotia. Individuals and organizations interested in taking part can visit Fourth Wave's website at www.fourthwave.ca/design.htm . The plan is to complete the project in June.
Design in Business Nova Scotia received $75,000 for the study under the Canada-Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification. The agreement is managed by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism.
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