The New Role of Design in Innovation: A Policy Perspective from China

Facing the challenges arising from the new economy for indigenous innovation in the manufacturing industry, the Chinese Central Government unveiled a new design related policy, Made in China 2025 in May 2015. Guided by Yongxiang Lu and Yunhe Pan, a research team formed by the Chinese Academy of Engineering proposed the concept of Innovation Design to replace traditional design and to clarify the new role of design as an innovation driver in Made in China 2025. In this paper, the key researchers introduce their Innovation Design concept, released policies, a new institutional structure of promotion, and ongoing project. This paper is a rare documentation of Chinese design development and industrial policies.