| Summary: | This research focuses on barriers to transformative design amongst furniture industry manufacturers. Building upon integrating innovation resistance theory and design thinking, a qualitative study was used by interviewing eight Malaysian furniture manufacturing companies. The findings of the thematic analysis revealed two main barriers to practicing radical design-driven innovation, namely, social and functional barriers. After the interview, the informants further explained their drivers in running their businesses. Analyses revealed two drivers: a strong networking approach and quality as a priority, which drives design-driven innovation and entrepreneurial advancement of transitioning furniture companies to producing more radically designed products. These findings contribute to the design management literature and will enable furniture manufacturers to develop strategic plans for the future. With the synergy of the two theories, the Malaysian furniture industry will be able to boost the economy, empower manufacturers to open new dimensions for design, and increase the globalisation of Malaysian furniture products. © 2025 Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia. All rights reserved.
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