Manufacturing is integral to the UK's economy. According to EEF's latest research, the UK is currently the 11th largest manufacturing nation in the world. It makes up 11% of the UK's Gross Value Added (GVA), more than half of its exports and directly employs 2.6m people.
Design Council Chief Executive John Mathers explained the importance of this research: "Evidence suggests the value of design is becoming increasingly recognised, even in industries that you would not normally associate design with. Design is creating thousands of jobs, exponentially improving the UK's export markets and creating almost £9million an hour for the UK economy. In order to balance the economy, the government must continue to invest in the design industry and education system, from the ground up."
The Design Council's research explores how design methods and tools are being used to drive positive change within manufacturing businesses and their supply chains. The research argues that incorporating design earlier and more deeply into the manufacturing process will futureproof the sector for the imminent 'fourth industrial revolution'.
Participants spoke of concerns over a growing skills gap, a need for more effective multidisciplinary collaboration and to be more forward-thinking when developing future talent.
The research also reveals details of how manufacturers are using design in practice, such as automotive companies exploiting advances in information technology to meet customer demands for greater mobile connectivity, while in the highly-regulated aerospace sector, companies have turned to service design to improve the whole experience of flight.
Click on the links to register your interest in the upcoming reports for the automotive or aerospace sectors.
