Design Economy
Discover the economic, social and environmental value of design in the UK.
How can we measure the value design brings to the UK?
Design Economy is the UK’s most comprehensive exploration of the value of design: economic, social, and environmental.
As the only research of its kind, Design Economy offers data-driven insights into the role of design in driving growth, fostering sustainability, and shaping a fairer future for all.
The latest research showcases the most up to date findings that support how design is driving contributions to the UK economy, employment and regional growth.
Map shows design economy GVA by region (2023) and percentage change between 2019-2023.
Key findings
Download the 2026 report
Driving Good Growth across the UK
Fill out the form below to immediately access the full report.
Meet the Ambassadors
An impressive group of impactful voices drawn from across the breadth of the UK economy who will act as spokespeople and advocates for the transformative power of design in the months ahead.
Lord Bilimoria
Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Tracy Brabin
Labour Mayor of West Yorkshire
George Clarke
Architect, TV Presenter & Founder, MOBIE
Martyn Evans
Professor of Design and Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Arts & Humanities, Manchester Metropolitan University
Jane Geraghty
Global CEO, WPP Brand & Design
Merle Hall
Global Head of Design, Engineering & Science, PA Consulting
Usman Haque
Co-founder, HAQUE TAN
Yinka Ilori MBE
Multi-disciplinary Artist and Designer
Professor Mariana Mazzucato
Founding Director, UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose
The Rt Hon Ian Murray MP
Minister of State jointly in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Michelle Ogundehin
Author, Brand Consultant and TV Presenter
With thanks to our partners
Design News from 2050
Arup, in partnership with the Design Council, have imagined the design jobs, skills and communities of the decades to come.
Design Economy 2024
The Environmental and Social Value of Design report.
Design Economy 2024
The Green Design Skills report.
Design Economy 2022
The People, Places and Economic Value report.
Design Economy 2018
As the country faces seismic economic challenges and change, it is time to once again turn to design.
Designing a Future Economy
Developing design skills for productivity and innovation.
Design Economy 2015
Great design can change lives, communities and organisations for the better.
Support us
As the UK’s national charity for design and its critical role in effecting change, we need your help.
