Over the past six years, the Norwegian Design Council has managed to triple the funding it receives from its national government. This success has allowed increased operational capacity and an increased role in the Norwegian design landscape. Operating out of the rebuilt, 110-year old factory with 2500 square metres’ space, the Norwegian Design Council works to promote the importance of design in generating opportunities for Norwegian business, it grants several design awards on an annual basis to promote and celebrate the achievements of young Norwegian designers, it organises conferences, workshops and design days all over the country, as well as proudly working with young designers to offer support with their integration into the world of design. This considerable achievement is all the more impressive when placed against the context of design in Norway, where there is an absence of Norwegian design brands of international renown and of internationally recognised industrial designers.

What are the possible reasons for this notable achievement? Amongst them is the considerable work that has been done to nurture positive relations with the Norwegian Government. ‘We have been very effective in working with the Norwegian Ministry for Trade and Industry,’ says Jan Stavik, Managing Director of the Norwegian Design Council, ‘We have been able to show that we share similar objectives in catering to the international ambitions of Norwegian companies. Unless design becomes efficient and a major component in our companies, Norwegian industry and trade will not be able to compete on an international level’. By working at the national government level, the Norwegian Design Council has been able to show that value can be added to Norwegian products by applying better design practices and that design can be a driving force for innovation. In so doing, they have raised the importance of design to national trade opportunities and have become a leading force in raising the profile of design in Norway.

This has mainly been achieved by working closely with a variety of ministers within the Norwegian government over the last few years. ‘Design must be part of policy at the national level,’ says Mr. Stavik, ‘if you do not have access to your government, however, there are still opportunities to work with other national bodies such as your domestic Confederation of Industries or Export Council. These bodies work on behalf of the government, which may provide just the opportunity you need to raise awareness on the importance of design to international trade opportunities’. This type of exposure can also be achieved by working with national media, in highlighting homegrown success stories and their international impact. ‘Having design recognised as an important component of international competitiveness has been a key to our success. I believe this is a universal trend and encourage Icsid members to use the lessons we have learned to advance the place of design in the respective member countries’ design climates,’ concludes Mr. Stavik.

For more information on the Norwegian Design Council at www.norskdesign.no