Brave Old World

  • Client: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
  • Sector: Development Finance
  • Deliverable(s): Transition Report 2025-26
  • Services: Art direction, print design and project management support
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The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) works to foster the transition to open, market-oriented economies and to promote entrepreneurship across the regions where it invests. Our role is to help the Bank shape and enhance its annual flagship publication, the Transition Report.

Brief

The brief remains consistent each year: take the core themes and findings of the report and transform them into a relevant, insightful, and visually engaging publication and website for a multinational audience. The ongoing challenge is to ensure the report is not only authoritative but also accessible to diverse stakeholders – from policymakers and economists to academics and the wider public.

Solution

The Transition Report began life as a print-only document but has evolved into a fully integrated print-and-digital campaign. Today it features interactive, exportable data visualisations, a mobile-friendly responsive design, and an intuitive online experience. Together, these formats have transformed how the Bank shares its stories and data, making them more accessible to audiences worldwide.

For 2025, the primary print report is complemented by a dedicated section within the Bank’s main website, enriched by country-specific data. This ensures the Bank’s findings are both discoverable and practical. User engagement is further amplified through targeted promotional campaigns, coordinated launch events, and robust social media activity that extends visibility across global markets.

The design approach is both innovative and adaptable. Our use of distinctive illustrations continues to reimagine what a traditional institutional report can be. This year we collaborated with Jean-Michel Perchet, whose illustrations bring a fresh visual language to the publication. Combined with a renewed interpretation of the Bank’s updated brand identity, innovative layouts, and premium print finishes, the end-user reading experience is significantly elevated.

The result is a sector-leading publication that reinforces the Transition Report as an essential resource for anyone interested in global economic trends.

Impact

Our creative approach demonstrates how thoughtful design and integrated communications can elevate the EBRD’s strategy, strengthen its brand, and help it stand out in an evolving institutional landscape. Our long-term partnership – built on trust, collaboration, and continuous innovation – enables us to exceed the Bank’s communication ambitions and engage its global audiences with confidence.

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