Chongqing Design Meets Smart Manufacturing Episode 8｜Chongqing Dianjiang: ‘Good Design’ Empowers Regional Industries

Editor’s Note

In recent years, AITO automobiles have defined a new paradigm for premium mobility, while Qiteng’s quadruped explosion-proof robot has taken the lead in the specialized intelligent equipment track. Industrial design has become the core enabler for Chongqing’s manufacturing industry to leap to higher value in the industrial chain and achieve iterative upgrades.

As the only world “City of Design” in western China, cutting-edge creative concepts have deeply intersected with Chongqing’s century-old industrial heritage. A large number of “Chongqing Design” masterpieces—distinguished by their aesthetics, quality, strength, and potential—are emerging and gaining acclaim across the Bashu region.

From today onwards, the “Encountering Design·Shaping the Future” series will present a panoramic view of Chongqing’s landmark industrial design projects of 2025. Through words and lenses, the series will immerse you in the mutually reinforcing journey between industrial design and Chongqing manufacturing.

 

Solving Development Bottlenecks for SMEs Through Design

Dianjiang County is rich in specialty products—stone-milled bean curd (smooth and aromatic), blooming peonies (elegant and vibrant), honey pumpkin (sweet and glutinous), and late-season pomelo (refreshing and juicy) are just a few of the county‘s standout industrial cards. However, pronounced product homogenization and insufficient brand recognition have become critical bottlenecks constraining the quality development of SMEs across the county.

To address these industrial shortcomings, Dianjiang County launched a comprehensive diagnostic and enhancement initiative for high-quality green industrial development. Over three months, the county conducted in-depth surveys covering all 151 industrial enterprises above designated size and agricultural product processors, systematically mapping pain points across the entire manufacturing value chain. A representative from the Dianjiang County Commission of Economy and Information Technology noted, “Extensive research shows that industrial design is precisely the key entry point for solving the development dilemmas faced by SMEs.”

Building on its distinctive local resources, the Dianjiang County Commission of Economy and Information Technology proactively launched the “Dianjiang Good Design” regional public brand, using industrial design to bridge the two-way channel between technological innovation and market demand. The initiative provides full-chain design empowerment to SMEs, helping Dianjiang‘s specialty products expand their market reach and scale.

 

Building a Design Empowerment Pathway, Serving as a Caring Partner for Enterprises

Pooling multi-party strengths. The county established a “government-guided + market-led + professionally enabled” working mechanism, set up the “Dianjiang Good Design” innovation service platform, and organized over 70 all-day design salons. These small-scale, high-frequency tea-break discussions created regular communication channels between manufacturers and design firms. For example, for Jizhiyuan, a Dianjiang hotpot enterprise, the Commission proactively connected the company with design teams, facilitating nearly 10 rounds of brainstorming and feasibility discussions, ultimately launching a new generation of “Danpi Hotpot” specialty product.

Implementing embedded services. During the product design phase, the county introduced an “open competition” mechanism for publicly bidding on design contracts. Enterprises‘ design needs were publicly announced, high-quality design proposals were solicited both domestically and internationally, and expert panels selected the optimal solutions. During the product delivery phase, a market-launch commitment system was innovatively implemented, clearly defining the rights and responsibilities of designers, manufacturers, and project teams. For market promotion, design outcomes were showcased at major events such as the Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade and the Smart China Expo Design Competition, while over 20 design empowerment competitions, forums, and other events were organized to continuously enhance the visibility and influence of “Dianjiang Good Design.”

Cultivating market-ready hit products. Focusing primarily on the consumer goods sector, the initiative provided over 80 professional services including industry research, enterprise diagnosis, brand planning, and design optimization. It precisely supported 17 enterprises in refining their market positioning, improving marketing systems, and achieving transformation and upgrading. The program cultivated 4 municipal-level “hit products” and facilitated the market launch of over 30 innovative products. For example, for Fuyuan Polygonatum Tea, the design team redesigned the product‘s appearance and entire packaging system, creating distinctive competitive advantages that quickly captured a niche consumer market. Weikesi RV, through human-centered and customized vehicle design, established a premium professional brand identity and strengthened its market competitiveness.

Since the project‘s implementation, Dianjiang has established 5 municipal-level industrial design centers. The county has launched 41 designed products, achieving a design product conversion rate of 63.3%, with 26.6% of designed products reaching the market. This has driven sales exceeding RMB 150 million.

 

“Chongqing Design Meets Smart Manufacturing” Episode 8｜Joining Forces for “Dianjiang Good Design,” Laying the Foundation for Regional Specialty Industries
Source: Productive Service Industry Division, Chongqing Municipal Economic and Information Commission
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