Local economic development through crafts: Co-designing new products in Vietnam

Learning points

While the overall project has not yet been evaluated, the experiences gained from testing this collaborative approach in Quang Nam Province have highlighted two key success factors.  

Building on existing skills: Local craft producers have been supported with a tailored training programme which builds on their strengths. Using co-production principles meant that the producers were not provided with ready-made sample products and designs. Instead, designers worked closely with different groups of crafts producers to stimulate new ideas on how to integrate the local cultural heritage into new products (UNESCO mid-term project report, 2013).

Partnership working with local institutions: The Provincial Department of Industry and Trade and its agencies at district level, in particular in Hoi An, are actively engaged in the economic development of the test sites by co-ordinating the crafts people during the product development progress and by holding regular review meetings in small groups. Most importantly, it was possible to solve problems and overcome barriers quickly, such as increasing the supply of the materials that are necessary for the making of the products and the efficient distribution of the sample products among potential producers, UNESCO and participating designers.

The strong involvement of local organisations and public agencies has meant less dependence on external support, which makes it more likely that the new businesses will be sustainable and that further economic development can be achieved.