Top Tips: Getting support
1. You’re not alone – explore what’s out there
Connecting with people and teams
who’ve been where you are (or
are there right now) is a
powerful reminder of the fact
that you’re part of a dynamic
community. Becoming a part of
the broader design community can
inspire, support and encourage
you on your journey.
There is a lot of public sector
innovation activity across
Europe: you just need to know
where to look. Explore this interactive
map to find out just how
many innovation initiatives
there are out there, and be
inspired by what they’ve been
doing. Read through the case
studies and examples on this
website. Focus on stories that
resonate with you, whether
that’s because they’re in a
similar sector, have faced a
similar challenge, or are in
your region.
2. Build bridges and start conversations
Reach out. After you find other
projects and people out there
with a shared interest, think
about what you would most like
to learn from them. Prepare a
short list of the key questions
that you think might be useful
to ask them and start purposeful
conversations that are focused.
Be mindful that they are giving
their time and expertise, and
also think about what you can
offer them.
3. Identify government-funded initiatives that can provide support
Whether you are looking for
mentoring, support and guidance,
or funding for innovation
projects, there is likely to be
a government-led initiative that
can help. Design has been
included in European Commission
innovation policy since 2010,
helping to develop Europe’s
design landscape. Not only is
there an Action Plan for
Design-driven Innovation at a
European level but a number of
European Member States,
including Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France and Latvia, have
also developed
specific design action plans.
In addition, 15 of the 28
European Member States have
explicitly included design in
their national innovation
policy.
4. Reinforce your own learning by giving back
Teaching others is one of the best ways of embedding your own learning. Share your story and what you’ve learned with others. This could mean making space for reflection and sharing within your own immediate team, or offering your insights more widely within your organisation, department or community of practice.
Read more about communities of practice in the , which explores how you can engage in a process of collective learning by sharing your experiences and reflections as part of a group.