Michael Thomson
As a design facilitator and strategist, Michael helps businesses, organisations and communities around the world to find common ground, shape direction and co-create new solutions. Michael has engaged in numerous projects ranging from brand strategy for a national Space Agency to placemaking and wayfinding in cities.
As President of BEDA from 2007 to 2009, Michael successfully lobbied the European Commission to include design in its innovation policy for the first time. He subsequently authored the Commission's report, 'Design for Growth and Prosperity’. In 2013, Michael served as the inaugural ‘Japan Design Ambassador’ for the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, Tokyo, and became an Honorary Fellow of Aalto University, Helsinki. In 2014, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Brighton in recognition of his significant contribution to design.
Michael is a Regional Advisor to the World Design Organisation and since May 2019, has been contracted as BEDA's first Consulting Managing Director.
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