Shanghai puts the spotlight on circular design-driven innovation

China recognises design as a powerful tool to drive innovation, and as part of UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Shanghai is shining the spotlight on circular design.

Tongji University, College of Design and Innovation, supported by Yangpu District Government, hosts the first Pan – Tongji Design Week: A New Decade. Aimed at enhancing design-driven innovation, a cross-boarder platform is being developed for communication in innovative design education, research, and social practices.

Today, the college will host a Circular Economy Day, supported by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation as part of the Pan-Tongji Design Week. Schmidt MacArthur Fellowship 2017 alumnus, Yubei Gong, whose journal article “In conversation: Ellen MacArthur: From linear to circular” has recently been published on She Ji: The Journal of Design, Economics, and Innovation, will be on stage to share her personal circular design journey.

Furthermore, the Foundation will announce the opening call for the EU-China Circular Design Challenge, advised by the China Association for Circular Economy and the EU Delegation in China, to encourage future Chinese designers and business leaders to rethink design within the circular economy framework. The competition is about creatively tackling the negative impact of single-use plastic packaging in the meal delivery, e-commerce, and food and beverage sectors.

Students can register online, study the challenge, and gain in-depth knowledge of the circular economy with the Foundation’s knowledge assets including various circular economy reports, the Circular Design Guide, and the circular economy introductory online course.

The winning team will win a fully-funded circular economy study tour to the UK and a ticket to join the Foundation’s Summit in 2020.