The International Design Business Management programme (IDBM) is a joint teaching and research programme of three leading Finnish universities: the Helsinki School of Economics, the University of Art and Design Helsinki and the Helsinki University of Technology. The purpose of the programme is to bring together experts in different fields within the concept of design business management. The objective of the IDBM programme is to train skilled professionals for key roles in international design business. The programme emphasizes the importance of design as a competitive factor among others, such as technology. Arising from the needs of the industry, this programme gives future marketers, engineering experts and designers an opportunity to practice important interpersonal skills through projects and courses. The programme teaches students to make full use of their own potential as members of interdisciplinary teams. The students in the IDBM programme offer their knowledge in the form of industry projects. Since 1995, some 110 projects have been completed within the IDBM for leading Finnish companies.