State of Design: The Canadian Report 2010

Final Remarks

Product Design and Development (PD&D) is an essential discipline that helps firms create, innovate, and commercialize. The process involves interplay between design, engineering, scientific research, and business strategy forming a systematic approach integrating holistic–thinking, research methods, and strategic planning. It is an integral part of manufacturers' operations, with Canadian manufacturers investing $38 billion in 2008. Canada's vibrant PD&D service sector provides business services to Canadian manufacturers and clients abroad. The performance of the product design industry has been very strong, with above–average revenue and wage growth.

In both the manufacturing and services sectors, the process of PD&D employs 225 000 highly skilled workers who earn nearly a 50 percent wage premium for providing value–added business services that can improve a firm's competitiveness and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

For policy makers, the findings presented in this report draw important linkages between the drivers for investing in PD&D, innovation, firm activities, and resulting business benefits. These connections can help inform a continued dialogue across government and with stakeholders. This report also sets the stage for those interested in PD&D trends to pursue new research opportunities and projects.