The Application of design innovation for increasing gem set jewellery exports in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Application of'Design innovation' to increase gem set jewellery exports in Sri Lanka is the focus of this research. The vast discrepancy between country's resource capacity and its level of fabrication has inspired to conduct this research work. It was revealed during the study that the capability for further expansion of the jewellery industry lays mainly on Small and Medium Enterprises. Concurrently, lack of design innovation has been identified as a key constraint hindering the industrial competency and expansion. Thus, the approach of design innovation has been explored to maximize the gem set jewellery exports in Sri Lanka. The research methodology used was "mixed methods'. Multiple methods of data collection and analysis entailed to explore the research questions. The current circumstance of the Sri Lankan jewellery industiy in relation to the design led innovation was explored employing semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with a purposive sample. Data triangulation employed to increase the reliability and the validity. The triangulated data confirmed that most of the companies of leading and the medium categories successfully apply design innovation while the small sector lacks this approach in practice. It was revealed that the best approach to be succeeded through exports is the application of design innovation based on user centered design. It was suggested that inhouse design skill development, make available necessary information on user requirements and current global trends, international exposure can improve design innovation among the small sector. To attain the industrial goals, two major components need to be modified; the policy and the attitudes within the industry. In conclusion, approach of design innovation has been identified as the prominent avenue to develop the gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka.