“Government must integrate design in its mission: CII Report”

With design emerging as a dynamic sector in India today, the India Design Report released by CII captures critical developments across several design disciplines.

The report includes the results of an in-depth online survey conducted by CII among design businesses, businesses using design and design schools. This is the only report covering the vital sector of Design.

It also presents a comprehensive discussion on the design landscape, design disciplines, design education and the way forward for the sector. The survey, which had 260 respondents, paints a positive picture of the sector with many young, dynamic firms operating in the sector and optimistic about their future.

According to the survey, 54% of design businesses reported annual revenues between Rs. 10 lakhs and Rs. 5 crores with an overwhelming majority of respondents saying that average project value, number of clients and financial performance have increased over the previous year.

Nearly all are likely to hire new staff. Businesses using design see an increasing role for design in their enterprises. Manufacturing industry is the biggest design user, closely followed by consumer goods and retail.

According to the report, the Government should integrate design in its mission and objectives such as Make in India, Digital India and Smart Cities. For example, design needs to be an integral element in the overall manufacturing value chain.

The report suggests that the Government could initiate funding programmes for design stakeholders. The CII, which has worked incessantly to promote design over the last 15 years, could provide organizational and promotional support.

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