Ningbo launches China-Europe Industrial Design Innovation Center

The China-Europe Industrial Design Innovation Center in Ningbo. [Photo/Yongpai App]

Ningbo has launched the China-Europe Industrial Design Innovation Center, marking a major step toward strengthening its advanced manufacturing sector through world-class design and international collaboration.

The center opened on July 22 with four leading global industrial design firms signing agreements to establish operations there. They include Porsche Design, Germany's IAV, Italdesign, and Giorgetto Giugiaro.

The center also signed cooperation agreements with several Zhejiang-based companies, including Tenfong Technology and Jinlang Science & Technology. The partnerships will focus on market expansion, industry-academia collaboration, and helping Chinese products reach overseas markets.

Industrial design is widely regarded as a key driver of manufacturing innovation and value creation. According to Li Yongping, the center's co-founder and the president of the Ningbo General Chamber of Commerce in Europe, the initiative aims to build a national-level industrial design hub that enhances innovation, product value, and global competitiveness.

The center will initially focus on Ningbo's pillar industries, including automobiles, home appliances, smart manufacturing, new energy, and new materials. By connecting local manufacturers with internationally renowned design firms, it aims to improve product strategy, concept development, branding, and user experience.