Abstract

The expanding role of design suggests design is crucial for more than merely improving innovation and competitiveness for businesses. Although some studies have investigated the role and impact of design for social enterprises, there is little evidence that design is supported in social enterprises as a strategic driver of sustainable growth. This study analysed Design Support Programmes (DSPs) for social enterprises in the United Kingdom and South Korea, with similar awareness of design and different approaches for DSP development, to explore the mechanisms for supporting design in such enterprises. A qualitative research approach was employed, including case studies of DSPs and exploratory and in-depth interviews with academics and practitioners in the social enterprise and design fields. The research results reveal that the countries share some issues regarding the operational and strategic levels of the current DSP mechanisms. The findings highlight the critical role of design and strategic stakeholders for social enterprises.

摘要

设计不断扩大的作用表明，设计不仅仅是提高企业创新和竞争力的关键。尽管一些研究调查了设计对社会企业的作用和影响，但几乎没有证据表明社会企业支持设计作为可持续增长的战略驱动力。本研究分析了英国和韩国社会企业的设计支持计划（DSP），这些社会企业的设计意识相似，DSP开发方法不同，以探索支持这些企业设计的机制。采用了定性研究方法，包括对 DSP 的案例研究以及对社会企业和设计领域的学者和从业者的探索性和深入访谈。研究结果表明，各国在当前 DSP 机制的操作和战略层面存在一些共同问题。调查结果强调了设计和战略利益相关者对社会企业的关键作用。