2026 APEC International Seminar on AI-Driven Design Innovation Kicks Off

The 2026 APEC International Seminar on AI-Driven Design Innovation commenced on September 16, 2026, marking a significant event for the Asia-Pacific region's design and technology sectors. Organized by the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI), the two-day seminar brought together representatives from eight APEC economies, including Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Peru, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand. Nearly 100 experts from various sectors such as government, industry, academia, and research institutions participated, highlighting the collaborative effort to advance AI-driven design innovation.

TDRI President Chi-Yi Chang emphasized the organization's commitment to integrating design and technology with the support of the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT). TDRI is actively developing an AI Technology and Application Platform tailored for the design sector. This initiative encompasses the creation of design knowledge engineering and core AI capabilities, which include prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), AI skills, workflows, and AI agents. The goal is to develop AI tools that align with the real-world workflows of designers, ultimately accelerating AI transformation within Chinese Taipei's design industry.

The anticipated benefits of these AI tools are substantial. They are projected to reduce annual development costs by 5–10% and decrease the time spent on manual data analysis by approximately 30%. TDRI's AI design strategies and product data analysis tools have already been adopted by five major domestic design industry associations, covering a wide range of fields such as industrial design, graphic design, interior design, and interaction design. The impact of these tools has been acknowledged through recognition from the Golden Pin Design Award and successful promotion in international markets, including the United States, Italy, Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

The seminar's agenda includes exploring four key themes: AI-driven design trends, policy, talent development, and opportunities for industrial transformation. A notable feature of the conference is the AI-Driven Design Innovation Workshop, where experts from the participating economies will engage in discussions on how AI can enhance the innovation capabilities of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The workshop will also address directions for talent development, policy support, and regional cooperation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in leveraging AI technologies.

Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to visit the 2026 Taiwan InnoTech Expo (TIE), which showcases Chinese Taipei's innovations in AI, semiconductors, and other technology sectors. This exchange aims to empower MSMEs across the Asia-Pacific region to capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI transformation. TDRI envisions that through these collaborative efforts, a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable innovation ecosystem can be built across the region.

In summary, the 2026 APEC International Seminar on AI-Driven Design Innovation represents a pivotal moment for the integration of AI in design practices across the Asia-Pacific region. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the seminar aims to equip stakeholders with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of design and technology.

Why it matters

The 2026 APEC International Seminar on AI-Driven Design Innovation is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the increasing importance of AI in the design industry, showcasing how technology can enhance creativity and efficiency. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from various economies, the seminar fosters collaboration that can lead to innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by the design sector.

Secondly, the focus on MSMEs is particularly noteworthy. These enterprises often lack the resources to invest in advanced technologies, making them vulnerable to competition. By providing access to AI tools and knowledge, the seminar aims to empower these businesses, helping them to innovate and remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Lastly, the emphasis on developing a sustainable innovation ecosystem underscores the need for long-term strategies that prioritize inclusivity and resilience. As the design industry continues to evolve, fostering a collaborative environment will be essential for ensuring that all stakeholders can benefit from technological advancements.

In conclusion, the 2026 APEC International Seminar on AI-Driven Design Innovation serves as a vital platform for advancing AI integration in design, promoting collaboration among economies, and supporting the growth of MSMEs in the Asia-Pacific region.