#Hong Kong #Design Innovation #Business of Design

Business of Design Week 2024 Concludes Successfully

The Business of Design Week 2024 (BODW 2024), recognized as Asia’s premier international annual event focusing on design, innovation, and branding, finished on December 7, 2024, with an impressive turnout of over 15,000 attendees. This year's event was themed 'Inter/Section Design Artistry and Innovation', showcasing a wide array of topics and discussions that spanned across various disciplines, emphasizing the significance of design in developing sustainable solutions for future challenges.

The summit featured a rich lineup comprising more than 40 keynote speeches and panels, hosted by over 50 distinguished speakers from Hong Kong, France, Mainland China, and other regions. One of the stands-out moments was the opening keynote delivered by Mrs. Eva Nguyen Binh, President of the Institut français and Ambassador for French Cultural Diplomacy, who eloquently addressed the central theme of the summit.

BODW 2024 was steered by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) with France prominently acting as the Partner Country. This collaboration was backed by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) provided co-organization support. This year’s event not only facilitated dialogues of design but also reinforced the bond between Hong Kong and France at both business and academic levels. The focus centered on using innovation and design artistry to confront pressing global issues, including urban development, brand revivals, craftsmanship excellence, cultural aesthetics, and technological advancements in AI.

Mrs. Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, expressed her gratitude, stating, “It has been an honor for France to serve as the partner country for this year's BODW. This collaboration has provided a unique platform to showcase the depth and creativity of French design, from heritage craftsmanship to cutting-edge innovation. I sincerely thank the Hong Kong Design Centre for hosting this beautifully executed event, a true celebration of creativity and cultural exchange.”

Looking ahead, the Hong Kong Design Centre is excited to announce Italy as the Partner Country for BODW 2025. This partnership promises to usher in a series of design-related events featuring prominent speakers and exceptional talents, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and mutual learning between the design communities of Italy and Hong Kong. Prof. Eric Yim, MH, JP, Chairman of the HKDC, noted the significance of Italy's participation, stating, “Our long-lasting collaborations over the years reflect a rich exchange of Eastern and Western design perspectives. We are enthusiastic about the upcoming year and the impactful contributions that can arise from this partnership.”

In addition to the main summit, BODW 2024 offered an extensive range of concurrent programs, including the launch of the Hong Kong Design Centre's DX design hub in Sham Shui Po, GBA Creative Fortnight, and various design festivals that engaged communities and showcased innovative talents. The flagship creative showcase featured highlight events like the MaisonObjet Design Factory and the Business of IP Asia Forum. These initiatives not only marked a successful conclusion of BODW 2024 but also set the stage for a vibrant future in the domain of design and innovation.

The robust attendance and active participation at BODW 2024 underscore the growing recognition of design as a vital contributor to economic development and cultural richness within the region and beyond. As the global design community comes together, the insights gained from this year’s summit are expected to inspire future innovations and collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the ever-evolving challenges of our society.



This year’s event not only contextualized the multifaceted role of design but also emphasized the need for continued dialogue and cooperation across different cultures to harness the full potential of design-driven solutions for sustainable futures.