Established in April 2020, the School of Design at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) is known for its innovation education and draws on the strengths of this vibrant university, namely its depth in research, its vigor for innovation and entrepreneurship, and its disciplinary diversity. Enhanced by the resources in Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area, the School of Design engages closely with the industry to establish a robust and structured collaboration that fosters and realizes design for the greater common good. Prof. Thomas KVAN, former Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne, was selected as the founding dean.

Shenzhen Culture, Creativity & Design Association (SCCDA) is a social organization commissioned by Shenzhen municipal government to bridge and connect the local government with the cultural, creative and design industries.  

SCCDA serves to operate and brand the “City of Design” programme and is responsible for the promotion of "Shenzhen Design", the integration of the city's cultural and creative design resources and strengths, and the domestic and international communication and cooperation with fellow Creative Cities and professional design institutions at home and abroad.

SCCDA has played an important role in the organization of major design events in the city, including Shenzhen Design Week (SZDW), Shenzhen Global Design Award (SDA), Shenzhen Design Award for Young Talents (SDAY), Shenzhen-Hong Kong Design Twin-cities Exhibition among others. The association has contributed to the promotion of Shenzhen’s city image and the branding of “City of Design”.