Design and competitive edge: A model for design management excellence in European SMEs 1

This event is organized by the European Community.Each country chose local firms recognized for excellence in the design of their products.• Describe how design penetrates the global innovation process.• Select pertinent management variables specific to design management.• Verify the assumption of a typology of design management based on Michael Porter value chain concept.• 64 firms in the final competition, from 17 countries (Trackara, 1997).