EU|BIC Associate Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação (SPI), under the USER-FACTOR project (funded by Interreg Atlantic Area Programme), has recently co-developed and piloted the Design for Business programme, exploring how design for user-driven innovation can support SME's business activity. The pilot showed a positive long-term impact on job creation, profit increases, consumer experience, and knowledge dissemination. 

The programme was delivered in partnership with Porto Design Factory between April-May 2020 and November 2020-January 2021. It adopted an innovative approach exploring the potential of design for both business management and product development. The pilot involved 34 Portuguese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups working in diverse areas such as technology, tourism, creative industry, or engineering, helping them to implement design methodologies such as agile development, lean manufacturing, and design thinking in their innovation processes, product, and service development.

85% of evaluation respondents stated that their participation improved the quality of their work and 15% planned to open new design vacancies at their companies. Additionally, 65% of the respondents believe the methodologies and tools learned will help them develop new products/services.

This shows the potential of integrating design amongst SMEs since it can bring great results in different business areas, and contribute towards the development of innovative management processes, products and services.

• A Toolkit to Understand your Costumers
• Design Support Program’s Good Practices

In case you need further information about the project or want to know more about how design for user-driven innovation can support your business activity contact us at:

Francisco Rocha – franciscorocha@spi.pt