Applied Design Research Centre funding announced

Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago welcome today's funding announcement for the establishment of an Applied Design Research Centre as a part of the Otago Institute of Design.

The funding for the Applied Design Research Centre reinforces the strength of design and the close relationship between industry, tertiary institutes and local government in the region according to Phil Ker, CEO of Otago Polytechnic. "This funding recognises the design innovation that already flows from Otago," he says. "It offers us the chance to take another step up to offer design services to a wider range of businesses throughout New Zealand."

Vice-Chancellor Professor David Skegg says the University is delighted to be collaborating with the Otago Polytechnic in this initiative. "The Applied Design Research Centre will be beneficial - not only to the University and the Polytechnic - but also for the future of Otago and New Zealand."

The Applied Design Research Centre will combine the talents and equipment of Design Studies at the University of Otago and the Design Department of Otago Polytechnic to offer design expertise to business. The funding will allow dedicated staff to work alongside businesses and for specialist staff to be seconded to specific projects. The Applied Design Research Centre will not only offer practical solutions for business, but also encourage research initiatives in areas pivotal to New Zealand's business future.

The application was made by Otago Forward, the regional economic development agency. It is the first major funding secured by the organisation and comes after a two-year investigation into the concept. Clive Geddes, Mayor of Queenstown and Chair of Otago Forward, believes it reinforces that regional economic development can work in Otago.

"Otago Forward has looked at numerous projects in the past but the Design Institute is the first to receive major funding," he says. "This is great news not only for Dunedin but I believe that smart businesses around Otago will benefit from this Institute."

Professor Skegg, Mr Ker and Mayor Geddes acknowledged the efforts of the Economic Development Unit within the Dunedin City Council to champion the project to Otago Forward and Central Government. "This was a bold idea and the combined efforts of the University, Polytechnic and EDU have helped secure this funding" Mr Ker said.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) Professor Vernon Squire says that he is thrilled to hear that the Ministry of Economic Development has agreed to support the Centre.

"Together, our respective design departments bring complementary skills that will support the regional goal of economic transformation by applying design-led research and development to lift businesses value and output. It will enhance New Zealand's export capability by integrating design into the value chain and providing a design centre of excellence," Professor Squire says.