Unveiling the UK's creative landscape: An exploration of the nation's creative sectors
News Article: Creative Microclusters Offer Unique Opportunities for UK Businesses
A new report titled "Creative Radar" reveals that creative businesses in microclusters outside of large established creative clusters in the UK benefit from opportunities such as localized innovation, distinct identity, and potential for targeted support to unlock rural creative potential. However, these microclusters also face challenges such as limited access to resources, networks, and infrastructure compared to larger urban clusters.
The report, published by PEC researchers from the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex on November 19, 2020, identifies 709 creative microclusters around the UK, with a third of these microclusters located outside of the established large creative clusters. The report was peer reviewed prior to publication.
One of the key benefits of being part of a creative microcluster is the fostering of unique creative practices and local specialisms that differ from dominant metropolitan clusters. Microclusters can also leverage tight-knit community relations encouraging collaboration on a smaller scale. There is significant scope for targeted policy interventions and support to enhance their growth and sustainability, especially in rural areas where potential is underutilized.
However, microclusters may suffer from reduced visibility and weaker links to national and international markets. Access to specialist infrastructure and diverse creative networks can be limited outside large urban centers. Economic geography is uneven, so these microclusters may operate with fewer opportunities for scaling or investment compared to established creative hubs in major cities like London, Manchester, or Bristol.
The report recommends investment in programs like the Creative Scale Up to support the growth of innovative, creative organizations in microclusters. It also provides details about the migrant and skills needs of creative businesses in the UK, based on a survey of employers commissioned by the Creative Industries Council.
It's important to note that the report does not necessarily represent the views of the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre or its partner organizations. The report was not written by Multiple: Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and The University of Sussex, but rather by PEC researchers from the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex. The report was not written by Josh Siepel, but rather by a team of researchers from the University of Sussex, with Josh Siepel being the author of a blog related to the report. The report is available in full size on the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre's website.
The worldwide exports of creative goods exceeded 500 billion USD in 2015, with a 150% increase since 2000. The report discusses the impact of the UK's departure from the EU on the way that British firms trade and work with European firms in the creative industries. The report uses survey data and website scraping techniques to identify and map the UK's creative industries and their clusters.
The spatial dimension highlighted in the report underscores the need for tailored strategies acknowledging the distinct advantages and constraints of microclusters beyond traditional large creative clusters in the UK. The report suggests that more investment should be made in encouraging microclusters to emerge outside of the established large clusters.
In conclusion, while creative microclusters in the UK face challenges, they also offer unique opportunities for businesses to thrive. With targeted support and investment, these microclusters can foster innovation, local specialisms, and collaborative relationships, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the creative industries in the UK.
- The report, "Creative Radar", published by PEC researchers at the University of Sussex, identifies 709 creative microclusters around the UK, with a third located outside of large established creative clusters.
- Microclusters, such as those found in rural areas, benefit from localized innovation, distinct identity, and potential for targeted support, but face challenges like limited access to resources and networks.
- Being part of a creative microcluster fosters unique creative practices and local specialisms that differ from dominant metropolitan clusters.
- Economic geography is uneven, so these microclusters may operate with fewer opportunities for scaling or investment compared to established creative hubs in major cities.
- The report recommends investment in programs like the Creative Scale Up to support the growth of innovative, creative organizations in microclusters.
- The report also provides details about the migrant and skills needs of creative businesses in the UK, based on a survey of employers commissioned by the Creative Industries Council.
- The report suggests that more investment should be made in encouraging microclusters to emerge outside of the established large clusters, acknowledging their distinct advantages and constraints.
