Apply now for the 2023 Design Intelligence Award

The 2023 Design Intelligence Award is a chance for British companies to shine on the global innovation scene and present cutting-edge design concepts and services to the rapidly evolving Chinese market, writes Elinor Greenhouse, Senior Adviser, Tech and Innovation at the China-Britain Business Council

As the summer months unfold, so too does the stage for one of the most respected events in the global design industry: the Design Intelligence Award (DIA). The China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) is thrilled to be continuing its partnership with DIA for the third consecutive year. CBBC urges all entrepreneurs, innovators and forward-thinking businesses in the UK to participate in this prestigious event.

The DIA is an influential international platform that brings together the best design thinkers and offers them an opportunity to showcase their innovation and creativity to a global audience. Its significance for UK innovators and entrepreneurs is profound, not least because of the chance it provides to forge closer connections with the thriving Chinese market. It’s an opportunity to present cutting-edge design concepts and services to a rapidly evolving market, eager for innovative solutions.

The enduring UK-China trade relationship is one that continues to make great strides. As our CEO, Andrew Seaton aptly states that “UK exports to China grew by over 35% last year to over £37 billion, setting a new record. This shows the importance to the UK economy of closer trade links with China, and the opportunity the China market offers to innovative and high-quality goods and services from British companies.”

The Department for Business & Trade, in their “Trade and Investment Factsheets” published on 18 May 2023, has further illustrated the enormous potential the Chinese market holds for UK businesses. The DIA, therefore, is not merely an awards event, but a portal into this burgeoning market.

The theme of this year’s DIA is “Design Evolution”.  The theme is an invitation to innovators to showcase design solutions that are not only ingenious and relevant today, but also poised to cater to the needs of the future. The platform is primed for design concepts that blend technology, creativity and forward-thinking design to drive positive change.

The esteemed UK judging panel for this year includes Russ Shaw CBE, John Mathers, Nicole Lowe, CBBC’s Andrew Seaton, and Paul Marshall, and will be chaired by Jeff Cao. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will bring a multi-faceted perspective to the awards, something that is crucial to enhancing the comprehensive evaluation that is associated with the DIA.

Looking back at the 2021 and 2022 editions of the DIA, there has been a high calibre of British creativity and innovation on display. The previous editions of the awards have served as a launch pad for UK businesses, aiding in establishing valuable business links and partnerships in the Chinese market. The 2023 DIA is expected to extend this legacy, strengthening UK-China collaboration and fostering a wider appreciation for innovative and high-quality British designs.

The DIA is more than an award; it is an affirmation of a business’ creativity, a chance to rub shoulders with industry leaders, and an opportunity to contribute to the evolving global design narrative.

Click here to start the application process for the 2023 Design Intelligence Award (free to enter, entry deadline is 30 June)