Design thinking helps create competitive advantage by placing a user-centric approach on identifying needs and finding innovative ways to meet those needs. This slide deck describes an approach to collaborating with stakeholders and determining market development needs. It touches on the high level approach required to co-create growth in emerging markets by researching, ideating and prototyping market development models that will support economic development and help in generating sustainable employment opportunities. By supporting an design thinking innovation lead culture, economies are better placed to generate change.

1. Design Thinking for
emerging market growth
HOW TO BUILD A GROWTH STRATEGY THROUGH DESIGN LED
INNOVATION

2. Creo: Background and Experience
1. Program Managed the Design Strategy for the Western Cape (Western Cape Department of Economic
Development ) - 2012
2. Developed the Strategic Business Plan for the Cape Craft Design institute - 2013
3. Working with the City Of Cape Town to implement a customer centric approach to deliver greater impact -2013
4. Set up the strategic framework and approach for a Design Hub / Park in Cape Town to catalyse innovation- 2013
5. Developed the Strategic Plan and Logical Framework for the Cape Town Fashion Council - 2013

3. A collaborative approach to strategic
value generation
Implementation: Facilitating and reviewing the strategic plan
Ideation: Brainstorm systemic interventions and build strategic plan
Collaborative Deep Dive: Stakeholder approach to identify desirable outcomes
Global review: What is being done around the world
Local Research : Develop current situation understanding with stakeholders

4. Sample of questions to understand
1. What research has already been performed?
2. What are the key sector challenges?
3. What is the current SWOT for the sector
4. What are the gaps that are preventing industry growth?
5. Who are the key stakeholders in the industry?
6. What are the sector differentiators and current competitive advantage if any?
7. What is the industry make-up (revenue, employees, location etc) ?
8. How does this compare to those of other emerging markets?

5. Taking it forward
Research what is already in place and working well
Identify key stakeholders and work with them to build
momentum
Strategy should identify current strengths to leverage small
wins – prototype early
Design a triple helix approach to build change

6. Building rigour and agility
Support strategic activities with data
Develop a long term vision supported by goals and objectives
Sector development agencies (Incubators and accelerators)
Policy
Build a logical framework framed geared towards outcomes
 Implement a Plan- Do – Study – Act review cycle to adapt to impact and change
Monitor and evaluate as milestones are reached

7. Contact Robert Bloom
Cel - + 27 72 549 2190