Organised by: Cranfield UniversityThis paper focuses on understanding the role and use of design-led innovation in Chinese SMEs. The
insights were gained by undertaking a pilot study, based on an applied developmental research approach
involving participatory workshops, quantitative and qualitative positioning activities, in depth case studies
and an individual pilot project undertaken with SMEs in the Pearl River Delta [PRD] over an 18 month
period. It will discuss the findings, highlighting key areas of uncertainty that SMEs experience when
attempting to make the transition from OEM to OBM, and how the findings have contributed to the
development of a new design-led innovation framework.Mori Seiki – The Machine Tool Compan
