Munster Express Online

fuse:d is a new design and business network launching in Waterford at 8pm on 5th May in Phil Grimes, Johnstown.

fuse:d aims to create a network of designers to nourish, collaborate, inspire and ignite change together and introduce this energy and innovation to the wider business community. It’s a
collaboration of professional designers from various design disciplines created by Lorenzo Tonti, Lee Grace, John Gavin and Hillary Coghlan.

fuse:d has come about in response to the national Policy Framework for Design in Enterprise in Ireland, launched in January 2016 as a national and extremely positive outcome from ID2015. Informed by a series of extensive research studies revealing for the first time in decades, the significance and importance of the role of the Design Sector to the Irish economy. Findings include employment in design roles in 2014 increased to 48,000 equating to 2.5% of total employment and in 2013 Design related exports accounted for €38bn or 21% of total exports. The framework also provides opportunities for advancing the role of design in support of business and economic sustainability and growth.

Evidence uncovered from research confirms the absolute economic impact for design at a national and regional level. In the South East there are 400+ designers with approx. 25% based in Waterford. fuse:d will explore where these designers are and how can we bring them together?