Foreword Top-performing companies regard design as a valuable strategic tool. That unequivocal message is one of many to come through clearly in this latest edition of Design in Britain. The most recent available research* showed that the value of design to the UK economy was some £12 billion, with 300,000 people employed in the field. There can be no doubt that placing design at the heart of strategy and embracing creativity and innovation leads to success. Research also shows that businesses are mindful of future challenges, in particular e-business. Design thinking is helping to address issues and create opportunities, and its importance to organisations will undoubtedly increase as the new millennium unfolds. *Source: Centre for Economic Forecasting, London Business School