The Business of Design Week (BODW) Summit 2025 has officially launched in Hong Kong, bringing together a remarkable convergence of global design and innovation experts. This year’s event, organized by the Hong Kong Design Centre, carries a compelling theme: “Curiosity Ignites Design Innovation” – a powerful statement about the transformative potential of creative exploration.
With over 50 design masters and business innovators from eight countries, the summit represents a truly international dialogue about the future of design. Italy takes center stage as the Partner Country, a strategic choice that coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. This partnership is more than symbolic; it’s a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration in driving creative thinking.
The summit’s structure reflects its ambitious scope, organized around six thematic pillars that explore critical areas of design and innovation. From Urban Visions and Mobility Revolution to Luxury Reimagined and Crafted Living, each session promises to challenge conventional thinking and spark new perspectives.
Notable speakers are bringing extraordinary insights to the event. Carlo Ratti from CRA – Carlo Ratti Associati is leading discussions on urban transformation, while Angelica Visconti of Ferragamo offers fresh perspectives on luxury design. Ron Arad, founder of Ron Arad Studio, is contributing to conversations about crafted living, demonstrating the summit’s commitment to diverse and cutting-edge viewpoints.
Hong Kong’s leadership sees this summit as more than just an event – it’s a strategic platform for cultural exchange. Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, highlighted the city’s unique position as an East-meets-West hub, emphasizing how events like BODW reinforce Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s creative capital.
The timing and focus of the summit couldn’t be more relevant. As industries worldwide grapple with rapid technological changes and complex global challenges, design emerges as a critical tool for innovation. The final day’s sessions on AI, technology, and cultural creativity underscore this point, exploring how design can provide transformative solutions to contemporary problems.
Carmelo Ficarra, Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macau, captured the event’s spirit perfectly by describing Hong Kong as a “unique platform” for promoting creativity and innovation. This sentiment echoes the summit’s core message: curiosity is the catalyst that drives meaningful progress.
As the summit unfolds, it’s clear that design is no longer just about aesthetics – it’s a powerful language of problem-solving, cultural understanding, and future-shaping. By bringing together diverse perspectives and encouraging fearless curiosity, BODW 2025 is not just showcasing design; it’s reimagining how we approach challenges and opportunities in an increasingly complex world.
The Business of Design Week Summit stands as a beacon of innovation, proving that when curiosity meets creativity, extraordinary possibilities emerge.
