De Montfort University : Unit 34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory REF 2014 : Impact case studies

The Design Unit’s unique approach to product design research has had direct, tangible and transformative impacts upon the private companies involved. Whilst the Design Unit routinely provides product design support for companies of all shapes and sizes, this case study focuses solely upon the transformational impact this research has had on a suite of SMEs – the evidence provided in this case study clearly shows that in addition to direct economic impact to the companies, the research has both secured and created jobs, and allowed these companies to compete effectively in an international market place. Overall, this case study provides evidence of £13 million of increased revenue generated, 101 jobs safeguarded and 37 jobs created over the census period, spread across 13 SMEs. Extrapolating these results, the impacts could be as much as £46 million of increased revenue generated, 356 jobs safeguarded and 130 jobs created.