Event: Circular Design Summit 2026

Thinking Circular, Shaping Futures

The Circular Design Summit 2026 connects you with leading thinkers who are reimagining economic systems and driving transformation. Together, we shape models that preserve resources, strengthen economic resilience and build long-term future readiness.

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Study "Design in Business"

How Design Drives Business Transformation

Our study, “Design in Business,” analyses how companies utilise design to drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and lead cultural transformation. Evidence that design drives measurable success.

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The Major German Brands 2027

driving business by design.

The 2027 edition highlights brands that see design not as an add-on, but as a strategic driver. The Major German Brands showcases the success stories of companies that demonstrate what becomes possible when design propels business models forward.

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Mission

Moving Businessby Design

The German Design Council is Germany’s leading authority on design. Since 1953. As a thought leader in the field, we are committed to realising the potential of design for a sustainable future. We connect business with design – for circular design, transformation, and economic success.

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Independent Since 1953

As a non-profit foundation, established by the German Bundestag, we promote design as a cultural and economic factor. Free from individual interests.

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Bridge Between Business & Design

Over 330 member companies benefit from our cross-sector network and from our role as a bridge between industry and the creative economy.

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Shaping Tomorrow by Design

We drive the future of design with circular principles, AI and transformative innovation for a sustainable tomorrow.

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Showcasing Design Excellence

Our awards and support programmes make design excellence visible and offer young talents a platform.

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Upcoming

Membes only

Members Talk – World Design Capital 2026

Olaf E. Ginter, Director Programme & Strategy World Design Capital 2026
19.02.2026
14:00 - 15:00  o'clock
Online
Events

WDC26 | Talk at Frankfurt Airport

26.02.2026
17:51 - 22:00  o'clock
Frankfurt Airport, Terminal 3
Membes only

Members Talk – Global Design Language? Europe and the USA

mwith Bernhard Heitz, Head of Product Design Strategy at dormakaba, and Andreas Bell, President of TEAMS Design US
05.03.2026
15:00 - 16:00  o'clock
Online
Membes only

Members Meetup Light+Building, at Serien Lighting

Serien Lighting
09.03.2026
16:30 - 18:00  o'clock
Messe Frankfurt
Consulting Services

Leveraging Design Strategically

Teaser: We support you with strategic consulting, process and design expertise, and a strong partner network. Our goal is to translate design into value creation, innovation and transformation.

Knowledge

The Design Library

Teaser: Our Design Library gives you access to one of the most extensive collections of international design literature – from specialist books and journals to rare historical sources. It supports in-depth research and helps you apply design history to today’s questions.

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Subscribe to the newsletter!

Discover how design strengthens organisations – in our monthly newsletter. We share insights from events, research and our international network, along with updates on key programmes for our foundation members. The newsletter keeps you connected to developments in design, brand strategy and innovation that support clarity, collaboration and long-term economic success.