Assessing Design Support Programs From An Innovation Model Perspective in Turkey

The innovative character of industrialized countries contributes to economic performance. Dynamics of innovation not only depend upon scientific and technological developments, but also include design, which acts as a bridge between technology, user-centered services, and social innovation. While design is implemented by in-house activities in countries with powerful design sectors, design-and innovation-related external actors are also actively used. Influenced by new innovation models, innovation-related external actors contribute to a country's competitiveness by engaging in local and global collaborative networks, both internal and with manufacturing industries. Awareness about the role and contribution of innovation and design in competitiveness has been raised in Turkey, and relevant political, legal, and administrative regulations have been implemented since 2000. The theoretical framework on which policy and support are based relies on linear innovation models, and new-generation models of innovation are not actively used. However, the number of manufacturing firms in Turkey with the capacity to make limited products and developments in technology is high. In addition, the use of collaborative (local and global) networks of manufacturing firms of different sizes and innovative outsourcing suppliers is low. The aim of the present study was to construct a conceptual framework for the active use of design in product innovation by analyzing the relevant public policies, with a focus on current policy and strategy documents and the design-support programs publically provided by the public.