How Design can become the most important factor in a community progress

In other words " Good Design Award"

made in Japan, where else ?

Hint. Ministry of International Trade and Industry was instrumental in Japan’s post-war economic recovery. Established in 1949 MITI’s role began with the “Policy Concerning Industrial Rationalization” (1950) that coordinated efforts by industries to countertact the effects of SCAP’s deflationary regulations. In this way, MITI formalized cooperation between the Japanese government and private industry. The extent of the policy was such that if MITI wished to “double steel production, the neo-zaibatsu already has the capital the construction assets , the makers of producton machinery and most of the other necessary factors already available in-house”. [ from Wikipedia article “The Japanese post-war economic miracle”]

History

Good Design Award is a comprehensive program for the evaluation and encouragement of design organized by Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP).
This award system was originally born in 1957, out of the belief that design was essential in breaking out of the cycle of poverty in Japan. Since then, the Good Design Award has been given to outstanding designs for more than 50 years in the pursuit of prosperous lives and industrial development. Approximately 37,000 Good Design Awards have been given in continuing these efforts.(...)

Purpose

This has been a program advancing lifestyle and industrial activity by selecting outstanding design. 

There are a variety of ways of raising lifestyle and advancing industry, but only design is able to achieve both of these goals at the same time.(...)

Birth of G Mark

Good Design Award winning items can promote its results by attaching "G Mark".

"G Mark" was designed in 1957 when the Good Design Products Selection System (the predecessor of Good Design Awards) was started. It was designed by Mr. Yusaku Kamekura, a designer who left a major mark on the Japanese design history. Since then the "G Mark" has been familiar to many people as a trustworthy symbol which connects industry and everyday life. (...)
[ material from Good Design Award ] 

The best part comes directly 

from the Chairman of Japan Institute of Design Promotion, Mr. Kazumasa Nagai

( read the full text of Mr. Kazumasa Nagai here  )

Producing Ability Demanded in the New Era

Design not only is deeply connected to the economy but also possesses social and cultural aspects. The art and culture of Japan has been widely recognized by the world and this is what the movement of the Good Design Award is trying to accomplish. As we enter the new era, the act of pursuing the essence of design is becoming more important than ever because it brings people happiness, not just the material and physical happiness but also the emotional happiness. Design has the potential to enrich people's lives and bring fulfillment. Companies and designers must think of the method to make that possible. Many have already pursued this objective as it is the purpose of design but the degree of importance is becoming greater. Another important factor is the ability to produce. In order to help Japan recover, it becomes essential to bring together different aspects of design, such as the product, graphics and architecture, and to produce it in a comprehensive manner. We will lead the way in such movement to improve the society especially through the Good Design Award. The purpose of the Good Design Award is to support companies and designers so they can introduce their products out to the world with confidence. By continuing to select products that represent the new era, we will help design to diffuse throughout the society with much persuasion. JDP is comprised by judges as well as many designers that are active in various fields. One of the most important functions of JDP is to propose and promote new designs by gathering designers from a variety of fields and collecting their wisdom. The results and accomplishments are recognized and identified through our activities such as the Good Design Award.