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In recent years Scotland has recovered heavily from the industrial decline it experienced after World War II; nowadays the nation is known less for coal mining and more for its muscular electronics industry and high percentage of "knowledge workers."

In an encouraging sign of some of globalisation's benefits, Scotland is now paying good attention to design, in an effort to compete on the world stage. Their Six Cities Design Festival, which runs from May 17th until early June, aims to "[develop] the use of design and creativity in business, [raise] awareness of design through education programmes, [and increase] public engagement with design."

"Scotland has what it takes to compete with London and Milan," says Jack McConnell, the First Minister of Scotland. "An investment in creativity is an investment that pays dividends."