One of the key components supporting a city’s claim to being a hub of creativity and design within the global design system is the presence of design, education, and research institutions that prioritize innovation. Institutions with this approach are among the most critical elements of the design system in all globally competitive creative cities. By supporting local industries through experimental and innovative work and by attracting and educating talented young individuals from around the world, these institutions contribute to sustaining innovation in human resources and reinforcing their cities’ positions as centers of creativity and innovation.

Today, as design is increasingly recognized by local and global stakeholders as a critical tool for added value and innovation linked to specific locations, Istanbul holds the potential to become not only Turkey’s but also a regional and international hub for design and creative industries. ÖzÜ / Istanbul Institute of Design (ÖzÜ/IID) is a globally oriented, Istanbul-based graduate school of design and architecture that aims to train competent and specialized designers and architects while supporting advanced design research.