Design Forum Finland

Our main purpose is to help Finnish businesses to grow and internationalise sustainably through design. We arrange training, guide to the extensive utilisation of design, distribute information and build cooperation networks.

We have 150 years of experience in promoting design in industry and the business life. We are the second oldest design organization in the world.

At the core of our expertise

A more sustainable future

We provide help in the transition to circular economy.

Competitiveness from design

We inform companies of the competitive edge offered by design.

Knowledge and skills

We provide guidance on the extensive use of design.

Ideas and inspiration

We share news about trends and phenomena in the sector.

Domestic and global collaboration

Design Forum Finland is a key player in the Finnish design network. Our expertise is sought after by many types of development and collaboration committees and executive boards. We work together with the Finnish Ministries of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Environment, and Education and Culture in various projects. Furthermore, we are part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ country branding working group.

We also work with the following:

Domestic and international operators in the design sector
Education, innovation and research organisations in the design sector
Regional business development organisations
Municipalities, cities and public sector operators
Finnish Design Info and the Finimalism project
Nordic Platform

Our international partners also include Nordic design organisations, in addition to which we work with European design organisations in various projects. In recent years, our joint initiatives have focused on circular and ecological design, in particular.

Photos on the page: 1. Kalle Kataila, 2. Infinited Fiber, 3. Milan Triennial 1954, Finland’s section, Oppi Untracht, 4. DFF Awards exhibition, photo: Ella Tommila, 5. Anna Ruohonen, photo: Kanerva Mantila

Funding

We receive general funding for our operations from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. In addition to that, we have received project funding from the Ministries of Education and Culture, and the Environment, among others. The rest of our funding consists of project-specific funding, grants and our own fundraising.

Design Forum Finland’s background

Design Forum Finland was founded in 1987 to serve as an information centre on design. It was a meeting place and an information source for industry, business, designers and the public. However, our roots go as far back as 1875, the founding year of the Finnish Society of Crafts and Design, which is the organisation behind Design Forum Finland.

Design Forum Finland Awards

Design Forum Finland’s awards are intended for reinforcing the competitiveness of companies and showcasing the best Finnish design competence.

Cooperation and partnerships

Finnish Design Info

The mission of Finnish Design Info is to communicate the value generated by design and enhance the impact of information, research and expertise related to design through communications. The Society brings together operators in the sector for communication-oriented collaboration. FDI also promotes the visibility of Finnish design, domestically and globally, and enhances Finland’s country brand as a forerunner in design. The Finnish Design Info project was launched in 2020 by Aalto University, Design Forum Finland, Design Museum, Grafia, Helsinki Design Week (Luovi Productions Oy) and Ornamo. The project has been supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture.