DESIGN, INNOVATION AND THE BOUNDARIES OF THE FIRM

This paper's purpose is to make a first attempt at analysing the desig n function from a variety of disciplinary perspectives: economic, soci ological and management. It explores what design is, and compares it t o R&D and technological innovation. It surveys the literature on techn ological innovation and considers its usefulness in understanding and analysing the design function. It then examines the organisation and l ocation of design activities in relation to manufacturing firms, refer ring to empirical studies of a number of contrasting sectors of indust ry in various countries, as well as to an historical analysis of the e volution of the design function.