INTERREG EUROPE Programme 2014-2020 Programme part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Co-financing rate: 85%/75% EU Funds; 15% National Funding Identifying A Need “The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Index for Malta (2015-2016) demonstrates strongly that size and innovation are critical elements for a way ahead for Malta. Our study of the local data shows us [...] that as an element of innovation the design activity currently undertaken in Malta merits nurturing.” Cultural and Creative Industries in Malta (Economic Policy Department, MFIN, 2016) • Since 2013 €156M government investment in CCIs • CCIs directly contribute 5 % of GDP & employ 10,000 + persons • CCIs average growth of 9% pa between 2010 and 2015 • Job creation in the CCIs almost tripled in the latter 5-year period - 2,800 new jobs (2010 – 2015), compared to 1,100 new jobs (2005 – 2010) • Design activity (NACE Codes 71.11 and 74.10 - architectural activities and specialised design activities – product, fashion, industrial and interior) generated a value added of €26 million in 2010, with the bulk coming from architectural activities • The design sector is composed of more than 600 enterprises employing 1,269 individuals, of which around 40% are self-employed A lack of facilitated opportunities bringing design firms and design users (including clients) together A lack or weak provision of design-oriented or design-specific support structures A lack of a unified, strategic vision and action plan for design, together with a fragmentary nature of the current scenario in Malta constituted by different, variously interconnected actors but without a focused convergence on design activity and support A lack of ‘community’ or ‘sector’ identity among design practitioners, connected to the predominantly individual (freelance) nature of design activity Academia-industry-government relations in terms of the development of the design sector are very fragmentary, and not connected to an overall and integrated vision, leading to untapped opportunities for potential start-up activity in design and in the wider creative economy. Building on existing European networks and partners Articulating the issues and finding a common approach BEDA Design Policy Cluster (2016 ) based on Whicher & Walters (2014) The aim of the project is to support governments to develop, implement and monitor Design Action Plans, to integrate design into innovation support programmes and to use design to bring user-friendly products and services to market. Thematic Priorities i. Mapping Design Innovation Ecosystems (Brussels) ii. Exploring OP and opportunities for design (Thessaloniki) iii. Identifying good practices in vouchers (Santiago de Compostela ) iv. Identifying good practices in mentoring (Valletta) v. Developing Design Action Plans (Riga) vi. Building capacity for design among business support organisations (Cardiff) vii. Investigating impact indictors (Barcelona) Application process + Clear Project Leadership responsibilities + Timely and precise inputs by partners + Clear and realistic budgetary and indicator definition + Clear and direct links to regional /sectoral priorities Thank You! INTERREG EUROPE Programme 2014-2020 Programme part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Co-financing rate: 85%/75% EU Funds; 15% National Funding.