The task force plotted the best way for Hong Kong and China to move up the value chain from a product-based to a service-and-flow based economy.
Following the report, Hong Kong launched a "DesignSmart" initiative with the creation of a HK$250million (25 million euros) fund.
Thackara's specific tasks were to help develop and articulate the institute's basic concept and organisational form; define and articulate the roles of, and benefits to, industry sponsors; organize an international workshop of experts to refine the research programme; and produce an inaugural event During 2005–2007 Thackara was programme director of Designs of the Time (Dott 2007) in North East England.
Dott 07 culminated in a two-week festival on the banks of the River Tyne in North East England and was visited by 30,000 people.
As Commissioner of France's main design biennial, Thackara curated an event called City Eco Lab.