Progressive digitalization and technological advances through new pacemaker technologies (including 3D printing) are leading to profound changes in both design paradigms and the design economy – the entire value chain organization of new, more intangibles, and research and design-based products and services. Current and future-oriented analysis as well as the historical perspective on past developments are research desiderata at AMD. They concern the development of scenarios for the future of the design industry using advanced approaches of scenario planning, foresight, and the innovative approach of prospective path analysis. As a further research focus, the changes in design paradigms and the closely related changes in design innovations, design products, and business models in the design, knowledge, and creative industries as well as the challenges for future qualifications, competencies, and their transfer are considered.