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India: A fast growth economy. Where are the opportunities for design?

A strategy session on February 5th, 2007: Asia Society, New York.

SonicRim is collaborating with Asia Society, New York Chapter of IDSA, The Confederation of Indian Industries, Microsoft and many other international organizations to plan a series of events around the world to ultimately help establish a think tank for inspiring people centered innovation in India and for integrating the creative talent and cultural resources of India with the global economy. More details about the forthcoming strategy session in New York can be found at www.designwithindia.com. If your company is interested in growing your business in India and in other emerging economies, you should definitely consider partnering with the “Design with India” initiative.

Globalization is forcing designers to rethink their role in the context of developing world economies, especially in Asia. India’s economic potential has long been attracting major international corporations. Recently, attention has shifted to include a greater focus on the immense spending power of India’s rural sector. As global economic partnerships continue to expand and design becomes the driving force behind innovation, so too does the potential for businesses and designers to successfully partner with India. But at what cost?

Designers can take inspiration from the traditions and craftsmanship that are unique to India. They can look to India to understand design innovation from a deeper, more resource driven perspective. However, it is important to interpret India’s identity and traditions from both a local and global perspective in order to simultaneously cultivate and preserve its rich and historic culture.

The IDSA/NYC, the Asia Society and the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) are bringing together a key group of U.S. and Indian leaders from the international business, design, education and cultural institutions to participate in a real-time strategy session. The collective thinking power of this group will explore India’s cultural traditions, examine the economic potential of this extraordinary country and illuminate the challenges and opportunities facing design.