July 2024
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This conference focused on priorities, strategic options and next steps for creative clusters in the UK.
It was an opportunity to discuss key issues at a time of heightened focus on policy to support the creative industries in the run up to the General Election.
Delegates examined the roles of clusters now and into the future in the context of industrial strategy going forward, looking at how the role and definition of clusters are likely to evolve, modes of investment, and how funding can best be applied to maximise impact on local economies.
Those attending discussed how best to optimise the impact and benefits of clusters in the creative industries in light of the new round of funding and targets announced in DCMS’ Creative Industries Sector Vision.
The agenda was structured to bring out latest thinking on multi-disciplinary approaches to R&D and innovation, and on strategies for raising and most effectively utilising investment.
Further sessions looked at priorities for growth and sustainability of clusters, with a focus on attracting talent and developing commercial skills.
Keynote speakers who have agreed to take part include: Tom Adeyoola, Strategic Director, Extend Ventures; Professor Andrew Chitty, former Challenge Director for the Creative Industries, UKRI; and Project Director, CoSTAR; Jo Lansdowne, Executive Producer, Pervasive Media Studio and Bristol+Bath Creative R+D; Dr Josh Siepel, Research Lead for Creative Clusters, Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre; Tom Wrathmell, Director, Across the UK, BBC.
Overall, areas of discussion included:
- progressing the creative clusters vision: the role of stakeholders - maximising the impact of clusters for the creative industries, their partners and more widely - next steps for creative clusters in UK industrial strategy
- research and innovation: cultivating holistic, multi-disciplinary approaches to innovation - priorities for R&D to support growth - alternative approaches to fostering innovation
- investment: identifying and channelling funding to further long-term strategic aims - the role of incubators in supporting scale-up - broadening opportunities in the creative sectors
- skills:
- developing commercial literacy and frameworks for the financial acumen of creative SMEs - STEM to STEAM: how the arts can be integrated into the STEM education system
- flexibility in training programmes - adapting to innovation, changing skills needs and student expectations - cross-sector skills development
- collaboration: what is needed to enable efficient collaboration between clusters and the wider business and education sectors - attracting and retaining experience
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues in the presence of key policy officials who attended from DBT; DLUHC; DSIT; HMRC; HM Treasury; and The Scottish Government.
