The Design Week, which took place in Umeå between 31 August and 4 September, aimed to highlight the creative industries as early adopters of new technologies and innovative business models, and to underline the crucial role these industries play in sustainable development. Design as a method of social transformation was also a common theme throughout the week as experts from Umeå, Sweden and the world came together to chart a way forward.

The International Conference Cities, Design and Innovation was initiated by Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. She presented the major initiatives planned by the EU in an innovation agenda for cultural and creative industries in Europe.

Under Creative Meetup eXpression Umeå took the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the creators who are constantly breaking new ground, challenging current business models and, because of strong networks and resilience, standing up to tough times.  Random Bastards, Bryggverket, Proto Proto and Östensson's Design talked about creativity, co-creation and the innovative power of the creative industries. Natalie Carrion and Johan Wållberg ended the event with a performance. 

eXpression Umeå ended the week together with the Design by Umeå network with Design Talk by Umeå on the arts campus. The focus was on the importance of 'making' - the the physical workshop (makerspaces) - and tactile creation. To conclude, there was a unique show performed by the craftsman Jögge Sundqvist.

The Design Week was organised in cooperation with the network and collaboration platform Design by Umeå which consists of Umeå municipality, Umeå School of Design, Umeå School of Architecture, Umeå School of Art, Bildmuseet, Artic Design of Sweden, RISE and eXpression Umeå. The aim of the collaboration is to promote and make visible the innovative power of the cultural and creative industries, where co-creation, world-improvement, passion and progressiveness are natural ingredients.