18 — key Design-dependent industries 18. List key design industries in your city. How have they made a significant impact on the social, cultural and economic development of the city? Helsinki rightfully enjoys a reputation as the capital of Finnish design, with a number of industries for whom design is a strategic consideration headquartered here or within the vicinity. these companies have played a decisive role in the nation’s economic vitality; many are known worldwide. Whether household names or benchmarks within specific industries, quality is a common denominator. the majority of our design-dependent industries have arisen out of traditional crafts and are thus deeply bound to the Finnish cultural landscape; their demands but also those of new, technology-oriented industries continue to shape educational, cultural, and employment policies today. the success of our design industries plays a major role in defining how Finns perceive themselves, and how the country is perceived by others. mObiLE PHOnEs AnD sOFtWArE nokia is by far the best-known Finnish company in the world. its global dominance was originally inspired by the user-friendly design of its products and has spurred the growth of supplier and partner companies that design components, products or software for the mobile industry. recent shifts in production to the Far East have caused some friction in the field, yet the mobile electronics industry remains vital to Finland’s success in the foreseeable future. the industry plays a major role in determining the direction of research ventures and activities in Finland. A classic example of how design and technology can come together to meet human needs, creating an economic powerhouse and shaping culture along the way. HOusEHOLD itEms beautiful objects for practical use – this is the inspiration for traditional Finnish design thinking and the cornerstone of our design industry. the Aalto vase and Fiskars scissors are just two examples of classics that can be found in almost any Helsinki home and in many homes around the world, thanks to their original execution and excellent reputation. For the producers of these household items, the iittala Group – comprising the subsidiaries iittala, Arabia, Hackman, rörstrand, bodanova, Höganäs keramik and Høyang-Polaris – and Fiskars, the fact their designs are widely copied is a flattering, frustrating paradox continuously inspires them to new innovations, proving that their original designs are, indeed, the best. FurniturE AnD FurnisHinGs the best-known Finnish company in the furniture industry is Artek, which continues to produce the iconic bentwood furniture and classic lighting designs conceived by Alvar Aalto while promoting a new generation of international designers who work in the same spirit. the furniture companies Asko and isku also design and manufacture home furnishings with a decidedly scandinavian bent, while martela is known for its top-line office furniture. Open Helsinki — Embedding Design in Life World Design Capital 2012 Application