1 2 3 4 Cultural and Creative Industries Strategies Industrial and Competitiveness Policies Research, Development and Innovation Strategies Circular Economy and Ecodesign Policies Digitalisation Strategies Built Environment and Architectural Policy
1
Overlooked
2
Mentioned
3
Integrated
4
Championed

Country Profile: North Macedonia

  • Country Size: 25,713 km²
  • Citizens: 1,811,123 (2024) | Tendency: falling
  • GDP per capita: 9,310.03 $ (2024) | Tendency: rising
  • EU Innovation Scoreboard: Emerging Innovator (2025) | 40%

Dedicated design policy status

No

Design in other policy agendas

  • CCI Strategy – A draft strategy (not yet adopted) mentions design in several places.
    Innovation Strategy – Smart Specialisation Strategy of the Republic of North Macedonia 2024–2027 loosely mentions design. [Mentioned]
  • Industrial / Development Strategy – National Development Strategy refers to “public services designed according to the needs of beneficiaries” and mentions eco-design of products. [Mentioned]
  • Circular Economy Strategy – National Waste Prevention Program (2022–2028) integrates actions for adopting eco-design principles. [Integrated]
  • Digital, architecture strategies – No dedicated strategy or references identified.

Observations

North Macedonia is in the early stages of integrating design into policy frameworks. While no dedicated design policy exists, references to design appear across several strategic documents, including cultural, innovation and sustainability agendas. The emphasis on eco-design and user-centred public services suggests an emerging awareness of design’s role in governance and sustainability. However, the lack of concrete measures and the absence of design in digital strategies indicate that integration remains superficial.

Sources

  • EN- S3-MK 20.12.2023, o. J.
  • Nacionalna strategija 2018_2022, o. J.
  • Национална стратегија за развој на културата за период од 2023 – 2027 со акиски план_Нацрт_id=63_version=1, o. J.