The country produces few products designed and developed in Moldova. The Cultural and Creative Industries Sector contributes nothing to GDP.

One of the reasons for this lack of creative industries is that there is no legal, fiscal or financial definition of design as an Industry in government laws and regulations.  

As a result the Moldovan design sector is only at the incubation phase and seriously lacks professionals with good education and skills.

There are two options:

Option 1. Status Quo

The most cost-effective action in the short-term would be for the government to continue its current level of support to the design sector. With a limited budget and many demands on the ministry from state theatres and other state institutions, developing new and additional areas of interest would put a burden on the small state budget.

However countries like Estonia have seen the value of investment in design. They understand that small countries with small domestic markets have to compete globally in order to maintain higher living standards and raise employment.

Option 2. Develop a programme to introduce design as a driver for developing economic growth

We are currently three years away from Moldova agreeing a new strategy for culture. The Ministry of Culture is currently developing a new Culture Strategy for 2030 and it could include a Design Development Strategy. This could cover four strands:

1. Infrastructure – Form a Creative Industries Council

2. Education – Develop a dedicated educational institution: The Moldovan Design Academy

3. Research & Development – Run an annual  Global Design Forum

4. Communication – Promote Moldova as a design-friendly economy  

Policy Brief (EN)