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 will be publish this September 2026 to showcase the most up to date findings that support how design is driving contributions to the UK economy, employment and regional growth. Stay tuned for headline data, case studies and voices from across the sector.
Join us at London Design Festival
Good Growth Design Lab
15–17 September 2026
133-135 Bethnal Green Road
Design Council's free interactive exhibition that brings the latest Design...
Designing What Comes Next: Hope, Growth & Change in the UK’s Design Economy
15 September 2026
10:00–11:15 (BST)
133-135 Bethnal Green Road
Join us in person to explore fresh ideas shaping hope, growth, and change in the...
Colour Futures: Launching Crown Colour Insights 2027/28
15 September 2026
12:30–14:30 (BST)
133-135 Bethnal Green Road
Join Crown Paints for a future-facing look at the cultural shifts, design...
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
Yinka Ilori MBE
Multi-disciplinary Artist and Designer
Usman Haque
Co-founder, HAQUE TAN
Professor Mariana Mazzucato
Founding Director, UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose
The Rt Hon Ian Murray MP
Minister of State in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Michelle Ogundehin
Author, Brand Consultant and TV Presenter
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.