The Use of Design in Finnish Manufacturing Firms

Lindström MaaritPajarinen Mika

This study analyzes the use of design and the position of the design function in Finnish manufacturing firms. We also study the impact of design on companies’ business performance. The paper is based on a survey directed to the member companies of the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) in November-December 2005. According to the results, design use in manufacturing companies is still on a relatively low level. Design use varies clearly among analyzed companies, though. Results show that the nature of design use and the position of the design function explain the influence of design on business notably. The impact of design on business through most studied effect channels, such as increase in sales, is statistically significantly higher in those companies in which design is an integrated part of the company’s core functions and strategy, and in which design is used continuously. Results also indicate that the use of design in manufacturing firms in Finland will increase in the forthcoming years (2005-2010).

Information om publikationen

Serie
Discussion Papers no. 1017
Nyckelord
Muotoilu, kilpailukyky, teollisuus, liiketoiminta, muotoilujohtaminen
Nyckelord
design, firm performance, manufacturing, economic performance, design management
JEL
L20,L25,L60,M21
Sidor
26
Pris
10 €
Tillgänglighet av tryckt version
Tillgänglig
Språk
Engelska