At the Sunon Global Summit 2024 in Hangzhou, Simone Caronni, an industrial designer from Sunon’s European R&D Center based in Berlin, shared the company’s ambitious innovation roadmap in a keynote presentation. Simone introduced Sunon’s R&D framework, which operates under the concept of “2+2+n.” This structure reflects the company’s international R&D presence, encompassing centers in Europe, North America, Hangzhou, and an upcoming facility in Guangdong, as well as collaborations with universities, research institutes, and design studios worldwide.
Simone emphasized that the goal of this diverse, global platform is to foster innovation by exchanging knowledge between internal teams and external partners, enabling sustainable growth. The department’s product strategy focuses on two main categories: viral, high-volume products designed for competitiveness, and premium, high-end products that integrate advanced craftsmanship and technology, addressing the evolving needs of modern workspaces.
Additionally, Sunon’s R&D department has made remarkable strides in intellectual property, with over 1,600 patent applications, including 160 invention patents and 70 international patents. The company has also earned more than 80 certifications, making it a leader in quality, safety, and sustainability standards within the Chinese furniture market.
The keynote also highlighted Sunon’s commitment to design excellence, as demonstrated by 49 international awards, including the iF Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, and A’ Design Award. Beyond product innovation, Sunon’s teams conduct research in user behavior, sustainable materials, color trends, and smart technology, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of industry trends.
In closing, Simone outlined the department’s long-term mission: to enhance Sunon’s global influence by tailoring solutions for diverse regional markets and driving the company towards becoming a recognized leader in the global furniture industry. This presentation reinforced Sunon’s strategic focus on innovation, sustainability, and user-centric design, underscoring the company’s ambition to reshape the future of workspaces worldwide.
