Exploring the artistic landscape: A geographical analysis of the UK's creative sectors
The UK's video games industry, along with other creative sectors, is under the spotlight with the publication of a new scoping study on economic consequences and potential market failures. The report, titled "Creative Radar," was jointly published by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) and the University of Sussex, and delves into the benefits of fostering creative microclusters across the nation.
The report, published on November 19, 2020, was authored by Dr Josh Siepel, Associate Professor at the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex Business School, along with Dr Jorge Velez-Ospina, Dr Patrizia Casadei, Dr Roberto Camerani, and Dr Monica Masucci, all researchers at the Science Policy Research Unit.
The study recommends increased investment in encouraging microclusters to emerge outside of the established large clusters. These microclusters, such as those found in Telford in Shropshire or Lerwick in Shetland, are more likely to have experienced growth, according to the report.
The benefits of creative microclusters are multifaceted. They contribute significantly to both local economic growth and the national creative economy. Here's a closer look at some of these benefits:
1. **Economic Growth**: Microclusters foster innovation and entrepreneurship within specific regions, leading to job creation and economic stimulation. 2. **Sector Specialization**: They often focus on specific creative sectors, such as digital media, film, or music, which helps in developing specialized skills and expertise. 3. **Collaboration and Networking**: Microclusters facilitate collaboration among businesses, startups, and academia, promoting knowledge sharing, innovation, and mutual growth. 4. **Diversification**: By supporting diverse creative industries beyond urban centers, microclusters help in spreading economic benefits across different regions.
While the report features a photo of Margate in England, it doesn't explicitly mention specific projects in the area. However, other unexpected locations for creative activity in the UK include regions beyond major metropolitan areas. For instance, South Wales and the East of England have seen initiatives to support creative industries microclusters.
It's important to note that the views and interpretations in the report do not necessarily represent those of the PEC or its partner organizations. The report was peer-reviewed prior to publication, and it details the results of a survey of employers commissioned by the Creative Industries Council, concerning the migrant and skills needs of creative businesses in the UK.
The UK's departure from the EU has changed the way that British firms trade and work with European firms, as detailed in a separate paragraph about Post-Brexit migration and accessing foreign talent in the Creative Industries. The report can be accessed at this link:
The report also recommends investment in programs like the Creative Scale Up to support the growth of innovative, creative organizations in these microclusters. With worldwide exports of creative goods exceeding 500 billion USD in 2015, and a 150% increase since 2000, it's clear that the UK's creative industries have a significant global impact. By nurturing microclusters across the country, the UK can further enhance its creative industries and contribute to both local and national economic growth.
- The UK's video games industry, along with other creative sectors, is currently under the spotlight due to a new scoping study titled "Creative Radar."
- The report, authored by researchers from the University of Sussex and the Science Policy Research Unit, recommends investment in encouraging innovative microclusters across the UK.
- These microclusters, such as those in Telford and Lerwick, are expected to show growth and contribute to local economic growth and the national creative economy.
- Microclusters offer benefits including fostering innovation, developing sector specialization, facilitating collaboration, and promoting diversification of creative industries.
- The benefits of microclusters extend beyond traditional urban centers, with regions like South Wales and the East of England also supporting creative industries microclusters.
- The report details the results of a survey of employers concerning the migrant and skills needs of creative businesses in the UK, though it does not explicitly mention specific projects like those in Margate.
- Investment in programs like the Creative Scale Up is recommended to support the growth of innovative, creative organizations across the country, contributing to both local and national economic growth, as well as the global impact of the UK's creative industries, which had worldwide exports of over 500 billion USD in 2015.
