A Critical Perspective on Design Centers in Turkiye: An Ecosystem-Based Interaction Model

Authors

  • Hazan Kara Tiryakioğlu
  • Hızır Tengüz Ünsal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59215/tasarimkuram.dtj447

Keywords:

National innovation system, Design centers, Design policies, Design incentives, Open innovation

Abstract

The framework of Design Centers (DCs) remains an area of ongoing inquiry. Questions persist about whether their primary role is to cater to specific design sectors or to serve a wider purpose, such as acting as facilitators or connectors within the design ecosystem. While the literature often associates DCs with innovation centers and uses terms like ‘studio’ or ‘workshop’ to describe their practical roles, the generic label of ‘center’ can be ambiguous. Words like ‘center’ and ‘hub’ not only suggest an origin or focal point but also evoke the idea of a nucleus where activities converge. DCs are envisioned to move beyond their traditional role as in-house innovation sites, becoming dynamic hubs that connect and energize the broader design network.
There has been a significant emphasis on supporting DCs in recent years, assessing the influence of design policies on Türkiye’s National Innovation System (NIS). The first of the thirty issues set out in the 2016 Research and Development (R&D) Reform Package aimed to implement DCs as part of a strategy to enhance national development and gain momentum in international competition. Following the inclusion of relevant objectives into the related law, supporting R&D and design activities, institutions that received the DC certificate have been prominently highlighted through numerical emphasis by ministry-level officials and through media channels at relevant promotional or award ceremonies. As of the end of 2024, the number of DCs in operation is 332.
This article questions the definition and scope of DCs, underscoring that centers with varied characteristics—such as distinct functions, infrastructures, supporters, organizational framework, and beneficiaries—enrich the ecosystem. It critically examines DC incentives as reflections of Türkiye’s design policies, assessing their inclusiveness and evaluating whether they truly support this diverse ecosystem.
The study utilized data from a thesis that employed a qualitative research approach, incorporating situational analysis of literature review and multiple case studies to examine various aspects of DCs. The research examines the diverse roles of DCs within Türkiye’s NIS and questions the effectiveness of DC incentive programs as a key aspect of Turkish design policy. Focusing on how varied DCs contribute to the NIS and the supportive (or hindering) role of legal frameworks, the research emphasizes the need for well-designed legislation promoting diversity, inclusion, and collaboration within the NIS. Through a comprehensive literature review, the research investigates the diverse functionalities of various DC types. Additionally, it delves into the impact of current trends, exploring how traditional organizations within the creative landscape are transforming into new-generation entities under these evolving influences. By establishing connections between these two areas of inquiry, the research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of DCs in the context of a rapidly changing creative ecosystem.
The focus is on highlighting how organizational structures have evolved, particularly with the rise of open innovation practices. Key attributes such as laboratory-like setups, experiential approaches, active involvement of diverse stakeholders, human-centered design, and an emphasis on social benefit take center stage. These characteristics stand in contrast to the closed and insular nature of traditional DCs, illustrating the rise of hybrid models aligned with open innovation principles. Transparency, collaboration, and integration are defining traits of this new generation of DCs. The presented data and examples suggest that these redefined DCs have the potential to serve as pivotal hubs for generating, sharing, and disseminating knowledge and innovation within the creative ecosystem.
The research results indicate that there are various components within the DC ecosystem other than the private sector. In addition to manufacturer and corporate structures, a classification has been made as design research and application centers in universities, regional or thematic DCs working for the industry, and centers that highlight collaboration and promotional activities. Beyond producing innovative outputs, various DC types possess structures that prioritize research, collaboration, and interaction. These features position them as key players within the creative ecosystem, acting as bridges that connect and facilitate activity. On the other side, the focus of DC policies in Türkiye on corporate manufacturing companies, combined with the broad definition of ‘designer’ in legal documents that includes engineers, creates inequities for DCs of different scales while leading to a deviation from policy goals in the allocation of national resources and rendering the system vulnerable to exploitation.
In summary this study underscores the strategic significance of DCs with their diverse functionalities within the NIS and emphasizes their holistic contribution to innovation development and diffusion. Finally the proposed interaction network model among different centers, functioning as both innovation producers and disseminators, is prepared within a circular or recurring dynamic cause-effect framework that fuels the creative economy and innovation ecosystem. The research seeks to illuminate the future trajectory of design centers (DCs) by examining the impact of design incentives and exploring potential transformations within the DC ecosystem to support a sustainable NIS over the long term.

Published

2025-01-08