27 janvier 2012 —
In 2011, the APCI continued to strive for a strong international presence with two main objectives in mind:
- reinforcing the visibility of French design in major events and within key networks;
- implementing a global strategic approach via companies towards outside markets integrating design.
In order to do so, it relies on its very own networks, including national design promotion organisations, organisers of key international awards, French Institutes abroad, the Ubifrance network with Economic Missions and that of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Paris.
It organizes “turnkey” operations, designed on an individual basis:
- exhibitions on the request of Design centres or French Institutes, often accompanied by conferences;
- French Pavilions accompanied by delegations of designers and/or companies, combined with individual business meeting schedules in target countries or events; at the heart of these Pavilions, designs from the Observeur du Design, which has this year followed a virtual path.
The key event for 2011 was the APCI and Ubifrance’s organisation of a special French delegation at the IDA (International Design Alliance) congress in Taipei:
- a 288m2 pavilion
- a delegation of 13 participants – companies, design agencies, professional organisations
- a French speaker at the conference • the election of a French representative to the Icsid (International Council of Societies of Industrial Design) board.
- meetings with large Taiwanese companies.
Supported by the Directorate General for Competitiveness, Industry and Services (DGCIS) at the French Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industry, the “France Design Innovation” operation proves that French industrial design specificities are much sought after abroad.
The APCI is also very active in European networks, for the annual Designnovation conference and the DME/Design management Europe.
Download the full review of our International Activities of 2011.
