This proposed research is an exploratory study of the role of ‘design leadership’ in the process of product design within Japanese and Australian Research and Development (R&D) teams. While applying innovation in product design can be considered as one of the fundamental sources of competitive advantage, the role of leadership in this process is relatively unexplored. Japan and Australia were chosen for comparison in this proposal because both countries are increasing investment in research and development (ODEC, 2010), and because design and innovation are essential to the economic growth of both countries, at both the business and national levels.