Design-Driven Manufacturing Upgrades: Chongqing Establishes 40 New Municipal-Level Industrial Design Centers

On March 31, the Chongqing Economic and Information Commission released the list of recognized municipal-level industrial design centers for 2025. A total of 40 enterprises were selected, spanning multiple sectors such as intelligent equipment, wire and cable, and hardware tools.

The Commission noted that the recognition of these 40 centers reflects Chongqing's achievements in promoting the deep integration of "design and manufacturing", highlighting a diversified industrial design ecosystem that covers the entire industrial chain and supports various industries.

For instance, Chongqing RATO Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd., one of the selected enterprises, specializes in the R&D and manufacturing of thermal power products including two-wheeled motorcycles, engines, and all-terrain vehicles. Over the past two years, it has completed more than 50 industrial design projects, with its products exported to over 80 countries and regions. Its portfolio of design achievements has been efficiently transformed into market value.

Another standout is Chongqing Dazu District Yongli Cutting Tool Co., Ltd., which represents the integration of traditional hardware manufacturing with modern design. By combining time-honored intangible forging craftsmanship with contemporary industrial design, the company has driven regional industrial upgrading through design innovation and contributed to building the "Dazu Hardware" brand into a nationally recognized name.

As one of China's first batch of national industrial design demonstration cities, as well as the fifth city nationwide, and the first in western China, to be designated a "City of Design", Chongqing has seen strong momentum in the development of its industrial design sector in recent years. To date, Chongqing is home to more than 1,500 design-related enterprises and nearly 20,000 professionals. The city has nurtured over 230 municipal-level industrial design centers, including 11 at the national level, both ranking among the top in western China. Industrial design has become a key driver for advancing the transformation and upgrading of Chongqing's manufacturing sector and for fostering new quality productive forces.

Going forward, Chongqing will further advance the development of industrial design centers, taking advantage of digital design and intelligent innovation to support more manufacturing enterprises in enhancing product value and improving market competitiveness through design.

Source: Chongqing Daily