Design4Innovation project continues with the extension activities!
On 14th and 15th March 2022, Design4Innovation partners are meeting in Malta to explore new good practices of design support instruments and support mechanism adjustments that resulted from the global pandemic and recovery measures. Our aim is to peer-learn and get inspired for how to further progress design agenda in the new context.
The first task of our extension activities was to update our design innovation ecosystem maps and look at the new landscape of innovation support for SMEs. Reflecting on that exercise, we will identify new and emerging needs and gaps in support to address them trough our knowledge exchange process.
Hosted by Valletta Design Cluster, our meeting will start on the evening of 14th March with a VDC ‘Design Talk’ and a networking event. The event will be open to the public and consist of two parts. Firstly, we will have a Design Talk where Prof Anna Whicher (PDR / Design4innovation) will be speaking to Mr Joe Tanti (CEO of the Malta Business Bureau) about the techniques and benefits of service design for SMEs and for public service. This will be in the form of a public talk and discussion, also open to questions from the audience. The Design Talk will be followed by a business clinic focussing on service design.
The business clinic will present an opportunity to exchange experience, share insights and discuss projects and initiatives with Malta-based practitioners, which could include students / SMEs, freelancers, NGO representatives, public body representatives and others. In this manner, we will support and facilitate exchange and knowledge-sharing in the service design field between the various European partners in Design4Innovation.
On 15th March, we will look into new good practices of SME support during our knowledge exchange workshop for partners and their stakeholders. This will help to define new ambitions for design innovation support in our regions and decide what policies and mechanisms we influence through D4I process. The day will include also a site visit of the Valletta Design Cluster premises. We are really looking forward to see in person how all the Design4Innovation good practices have inspired this unique community space for cultural and creative practice.