The BCD (Barcelona Design Centre) with the support of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, ACC1Ó (CIDEM/COPCA) and the Economic Promotions Sector of Barcelona City Hall are directing and coordinating this programme designed to make Catalan business people more aware of the use and correct management of design. The aim being to improve competitiveness and stimulate innovation within the Catalan business network, aiding its differentiation and internationalization in world markets. Going for design is going for a competitive advantage.

Why design?

These days, businesses are competing in a globalised economy, where differentiation and innovation are the keys to success in staying competitive. Market opportunities are no longer gained solely by competing through lower costs; it is now necessary to add value to products and services on offer.

Design, the most creative part of innovation processes, allows us to stand out from the competition, adding value to our products and services and offering new benefits to consumers. Design is a highly profitable investment, if managed correctly.

Every company, especially small and medium scale businesses (99.8% of the Catalan business network) has the opportunity to secure design skills, once management is persuaded of its value, teams have been trained, and adequate internal procedures have been developed in line with a corporate strategy that takes design, in all its aspects, into account.

Collaborating with professional designers, whether in-house, or through outsourcing (in Catalonia there are more than 1500 professionals and businesses specialising in product design, graphic design, communications and environmental services) is today more essential than ever for any business, in any sector, wishing to improve its competitiveness in world markets.

Aims

• Advising Catalan businesses which do not habitually have recourse to designers when drawing up strategies which involve design.
• Improving market quota, consumer satisfaction and improving economic results.
• Encouraging business collaboration with professional designers.
• Improving the image of Catalan products and services in international markets.

Who can participate in ExID?

Any business in Catalonia that is interested in knowing how design can help improve business and which wishes to be up to date on the latest trends in the field.In order to participate, it is necessary to register with the ExID programme. Registration demonstrates a business’ interest in being informed and/or participating in the activities on offer.

The benefits of participating

Learning about the opportunities that design offers for making the best of products, services and environs and consolidating the values and image of Catalan brands to get the best out of them.

Businesses registered with the ExID programme are informed of all the activities on offer and receive any new information or material ExID produces.

Businesses can attend workshops where they can share experiences with experts who will divulge and disclose knowledge and methodologies which will help you properly manage design for your company.

Balance Sheet 2005–2007
The programme started in 2005 and was initially planned to run for three years. However, given its success, and the ongoing validity of ExID’s objectives, Businesses for Innovation and Design is still active.

In the first phase, around 300 people registered with ExID. There have been 10 workshops on Design Management for SMEs; the publication “4 ExID Stories (with D for Design)” has been published; a Directory of Professional Designers has been started and informative material on Managing Design has been distributed. In addition, a self-diagnosis tool covering Design Management has been created.