Joining Forces explored and demonstrated how design education, design research and the implementation of research outcomes into industries empower the innovation platform serving local, national and international development alike.

Research into design and doctoral education in design have both expanded and gained depth enormously over the past few years.

The conference asked what this design-driven field of research can give to other stakeholders vital in the spheres of industry, innovation and competitiveness and how has research operated in the paradigm shift where design is becoming a knowledge-intensive practice led by a profession with increasing disciplinary independence.

	What can design research offer R&D in product development?
	How can it fortify the strategic use of design?
	In which ways can we implement research findings in the industrial infrastructure?
	What are the benefits of design and design research for systems of innovation and industrial competitiveness?
	How can design-based thinking fortify the creative industries?

Joining Forces was organised by University of Art and Design Helsinki and functioned also as a pre-congress conference of ERA05 World Design Congress in Copenhagen, 25-28 September 2005.

Local Organizing Committee, University of Art and Design Helsinki

Pekka Korvenmaa, Professor, Industrial and Strategic Design, Conference chairman
Juha Järvinen, Director, Designium Innovation Centre
Outi Raatikainen, Head, Communications and Publications
Eija Salmi, Head, International Affairs Centre
Yrjö Sotamaa, Rector
Lotta Palmi, Conference secretary, Designium Innovation Centre

International Advisory Board

Thomas Binder, Director, Danish Center for Design Research
David Durling, Professor, Middlesex University, London
Wolfgang Jonas, Professor, University of the Arts Bremen
Silvia Pizzocaro, Professor, Politecnico di Milano