Gatherings

Symposium - Answer the Call! Innovation by Design in Public Action

November 29, 2022
October 25, 2022

As part of the 2022 Entretiens Jacques Cartier, Montréal’s Bureau du design and the Cité du design de Saint-Étienne are inviting professionals, public-sector actors and academics to gather and collaborate on the potential and strategies for design-driven innovation in public action.

Through a roundtable, a keynote lecture and inspiring case studies from Québec, France and internationally, this symposium will explore future design practices as well as what actions can be taken to stimulate innovation, set in motion proactive collaborations between cities and designers, and generate positive impacts in a context of social and ecological transition.

Theme

“In a world where challenges are constantly intensifying and becoming increasingly complex, and where the economy and technologies are changing at breakneck speed, innovation, creativity and collaboration are key levers to accelerate ecological transition, foster inclusion and make our economy green and inclusive.” (Ville de Montréal, Montréal 2030 Citywide Strategic Plan)

From creativity to innovation
The creative potential of the various fields of practice of design is readily acknowledged. Innovation, however, goes beyond merely generating new ideas. It must involve a genuine transformation of practices and areas of activity that reconsiders their means of implementation, acceptance by the people and systems concerned, and dissemination.

  • What is the strategic value of design in an innovation process?
  • What tools and expertise specific to designers should be sought and strengthened?

By leveraging novel collaborations
Conventional mechanisms of public action, including design commissions, present substantial challenges when it comes to facilitating and amplifying innovation, as well as involving designers earlier in the process. Levers do exist, however, and opportunities are there for the taking.

  • How can public authorities better call upon and engage designers toward the challenges of today?
  • Which public mechanisms are most likely to stimulate innovation and ensure its scalability?

For systemic impacts
The complexity of contemporary social, environmental, economic and cultural challenges demands that we approach the actions of public authorities and the contributions of designers at a more systemic scale, going beyond responses to isolated needs or execution of a predetermined solution.

  • What does “innovating” really mean today?
  • Which design practices best draw upon the abilities and resources of designers in transitioning to a more regenerative and equitable world?
Outline of the program

Session 1: Overview
To build the foundations for a common language, an initial roundtable will seek to delineate how design for innovation can concretely contribute to public action and have a positive impact on social and ecological transition.

Session 2: Keynote lecture
The keynote speaker will outline the concept of system-shifting design and then present the current work of the Design Council (United Kingdom), which seeks to shape the future of the design disciplines.

Session 3: Case studies
Some organizations are already experimenting with new ways of doing things. Designers and public-sector actors will illustrate inspiring practices and mechanisms of design for innovation that they have implemented for uptake and dissemination of innovation, prototyping solutions and providing opportunities for collaboration on a system-wide scale.

Session 4: Call to action
As both conclusion and jumping-off point, a discussion between the cities of Montréal and Saint-Étienne will draw out possible avenues for action and point the way to new local and international collaborations.

Steering Committee
  • Nathalie Arnould, Design Manager, Saint-Étienne Métropole
  • Guillaume Blum, Associate Professor, École de design, Université Laval
  • Emeric Boucher, Design Commissioner, Bureau du design, Ville de Montréal
  • Caroline Gagnon, Full Professor, École de design, Université Laval
  • Sonia Hedhibi, International Relations Officer, Cité du design, Saint-Étienne
  • Patrick Marmen, Chief of Staff, Bureau du design, Ville de Montréal
  • Isabelle Vérilhac, International and Innovation Director, Cité du design, Saint-Étienne
  • Virginie Zingraff, Senior Advisor – Practice Leadership and Transfer, Maison de l’innovation sociale
Site

Pavillon de l’esplanade Tranquille
1442, rue Clark, Montréal, QC, H2X 2R3
Saint-Laurent or Place-des-Arts métro station

To register

Registrations are now closed. Thank you for your interest!

Colloque - Répondez à l'appel! L'innovation par le design dans l'action publique

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