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Professor Peter Ford delivers keynote speech at Ningbo Design Week in China

The distinguished professor joined Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in 2018 as Professor of Design where he heads the Design Matter research group, investigating approaches to new product development.

    Peter Ford delivering keynote speech
    Peter Ford delivering keynote speech

    During his keynote speech, Peter discussed the exciting new development of the NTU-NBU China UK (Ningbo) Innovation Design Promotion Centre (working title). He also explored how his research and practical experience has helped SMEs develop their products and process to add value to their businesses. NTU is in the process of signing a tripartite agreement with Ningbo University (NBU) and He Feng Creative Square to develop this exciting process through the Centre in Ningbo.

    The Centre will support Ningbo as the pilot city in China to implement the Made in China 2025 national plan, transforming its manufacturing capabilities to develop and market high-value products.

    Peter Ford and Ningbo University colleagues2
    Peter Ford with colleagues from NBU

    Peter told us: “It was a delight to be part of the conference, and I would like to thank all who helped my short visit be such a memorable one. It was a privilege to witness how local government, the design community, and universities are all committed to utilising the power of design to develop Ningbo as a major manufacturer of quality products.”

    These strategic efforts will be carried out in partnership with leading world-class design practitioners by drawing expertise from NBU and NTU, in collaboration with He Feng Creative Square. NTU has worked with NBU in product design since 2015 and NTU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Edward Peck visited Ningbo in 2017 to sign a collaborative agreement.

    The project is expected to strengthen long-term international collaboration between Ningbo and UK universities, centring on design excellence, ensuring that local businesses and universities have access to world-class skills and leading academic expertise.

    “The design research group and myself are looking forward to working together, in particular to help small and medium sized companies in Ningbo realise their full potential,” Peter commented.

    Over the last 20 years, Peter and his teams have developed a unique and highly effective design process to support manufacturing and service companies in the development, manufacture and marketing of high-value products.

    They’ve supported hundreds of companies in the development of new commercial products, and this work has been recognised by the UK and EU governments through the investment of over £10 million.

    The initial development period is anticipated to last three years, allowing for the transfer of skills and expertise from the UK to Ningbo.

    Published on 14 May 2019
    • Subject area: Art and design
    • Category: Current students; Staff; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment