TNO design study

A chart showing how Dutch job growth in design, the creative industries, and industries employing significant numbers of designers outpaced that in the broader economy from 1996 to 2009. Source: Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), using Lisa database.

Design grows despite ailing economy
In 2005, Premsela published a report mapping the numerous Dutch design initiatives in the Netherlands. TNO’s new research continues the project. The study found remarkably strong growth in the sector, which cannot be explained purely by the growth of the broader economy and has to do with a structural change in design practice. The report's conclusions make clear that the Dutch government's decision to designate the creative industries a key sector has not been in vain. They also reinforce the importance and necessity of investment in creative businesses.

Carolien Gehrels, Johan Kleyn & Els van der Plas - Photo: Lizzy Kalisvaart