Abstract:

In order to compete on the European and global markets firms must not only offer highquality products, they must also offer innovative and attractive designs of their products. Every firm which wishes to compete in the open, contemporary global market should focus on creating innovative projects based on creative designs and ideas put forward by their employees. The European Commission and other international organisations with a global outreach, such as UNCTAD, are concentrating on inspiring regional authorities to develop active policies aimed at assisting firms to become more competitive in this area. It is estimated that the creative sector (including modern design) is a locomotive of economic growth for the entire EU (as well as other highly developed countries), creating over 5% of the EU’s GDP and systematically increasing this share. The aim of this article is to present both the global and European policies aimed at supporting modern design and fashion, as well as to illustrate how compliance with the current demands of the market can improve a region’s competitiveness.