This article studies creative clusters outside metropolitan areas in Spain. Both the notion of cluster and that of creative activity tend to be associated by mainstream research with urban settings; thus, situating them in an non metropolitan or rural localities has required us to adapt the usual methodology to the scale and idiosyncrasies of a rural setting. Based on this new focus, we have been able to identify 761 municipalities that could host creative clusters within an initial area of study of 7,367 non-metropolitan municipalities with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants. This methodology also has allowed us to measure intensity, internal composition, and localization, so that those of a more mature or advanced character, having a greater level of specialization and diversity, predominate in places close to metropolitan areas and the Mediterranean axis, whereas in the inner Spain, they are found in a lower proportion and in a more scattered and discontinuous manner. Activities belonging to the Functional Creations sector prevail over those from Communication and Patrimony in the configuration of the clusters, although there are differences in relative specialization according to their mature or advanced level. In addition, some of the most significant indicators of rural dynamism-population growth, human capital, unemployment, and economic activity-show much better behaviour in municipalities with creative clusters.
This article seeks to forecast the short- and medium-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on the cultural and creative ecosystems of the 81 cities in Spain with between 50,000 and 100,000 inhabitants. Data on employment in nine sectors (per NACE Rev. 2) support the characterization of cultural ecosystems based on their dynamism, specialization, and propensity to form clusters (thanks to the co-location of certain sectors, meant to generate inter-sectoral spillovers and cross-sector synergies). The applied methodology consists of comparing these three attributes during and following the 2008 financial crisis. Then, any changes observed are interpreted in light of arguments from the COVID-19 literature, and from our own analysis, in order to assess the probability of recurrence (or nonrecurrence) during the current pandemic. Throughout this process, the metropolitan or non-metropolitan position of cities is taken into consideration. A first conclusion is that, as in the financial crisis, the behavior of ecosystems during the pandemic will be asymmetric. Secondly, metropolitan and non-metropolitan cities will maintain their distinctive sectoral specializations. Non-metropolitan cities appear to be more vulnerable for their strong connection to creative sectors most affected by the pandemic, although some can take advantage of good cultural supply and proximity to metropolitan centers. Metropolitan cities seem more secure, thanks to the higher presence of less vulnerable sectors (due to elevated and accelerating digitization). Nevertheless, most functional clusters were diminished during the financial crisis, and it seems unlikely that sectoral co-locations will re-emerge in a post-pandemic scenario as a business strategy, at least in the short term. Beyond these forecasts, we recommend dealing with certain structural failures of these ecosystems, especially the vulnerability and precariousness of most cultural and creative companies and workers.
Sustainability and population have a complex relationship. Popular versions of the first are usually based on the premise of reducing the population. However, in some remote rural areas with a low density, this condition needs to be reconsidered, as it would put the viability of the local community at risk and lead to environmental, economic and, above all, social losses. Although repopulation is impossible, since remote rural areas have an ageing demographic structure and an extremely low fertility rate, we can propose the regeneration of their human, social and relational capital by attracting talent and commitment. To achieve this, the Desafío Programme (Rural Erasmus) enables university students to do internships in companies and institutions in sparsely populated areas, living alongside their residents. Despite being an experimental policy with a narrow scope in statistical terms, the Desafío Programme is an inspiring experience supported by those who have participated in it and contributes to the social and economic regeneration of areas in decline. This is a practical case of applying a sustainable strategy to a rural area in crisis, which can be transferred to many other countries facing a similar problem.
RESUMENUna de las razones que explican la búsqueda de nuevas oportunidades de crecimiento en las pequeñas ciudades de las áreas menos avanzadas de Europa es la persistencia de fuertes desequilibrios territoriales. El aprovechamiento de su patrimonio cultural favorece el desarrollo de estrategias basadas en el talento local y adaptadas a la personalidad del territorio. El artículo se centra en la ciudad de Teruel y estudia cómo la tradición de los amantes y de las bodas de Isabel Segura, que se recrea anualmente desde 1997, ha contribuido a la generación de actividades creativas en la ciudad y su entorno próximo. El análisis realizado nos ha permitido conocer y evaluar los vínculos existentes entre sus componentes y las externalidades positivas e impactos socioeconómicos generados. El caso estudiado tiene un interés teórico añadido, porque permite reconstruir el desarrollo, estructura interna e impacto territorial de un potencial cluster creativo. El artículo presenta la zona de estudio, realiza la revisión de los conceptos de cluster y de actividades creativas y se centra después en la recreación de Las Bodas de Isabel de Segura considerando su génesis, evolución, estructura, sinergias funcionales e impacto territorial en la estructura productiva y en la sociedad local.Palabras clave: Actividades creativas, patrimonio cultural, cluster, desarrollo local, ABSTRACT Creative activities and development in small towns. The example of TeruelOne of the reasons for searching new growth opportunities in the small cities of the less developed areas in Europe is the persistence of strong regional imbalances. Cultural heritage provides a good ressource because it encourages the development of activities based in local talent and adapted to the territory. The article focuses on the city of Teruel and shows how the Middle Age tradition of the weddings of Isabel Segura, which is recreated annually since 1997, has contributed to the generation of various creative activities in the city and its immediate environment. The paper begins introducing the study area. The theoretical chapter reviews the concepts of cluster and creative activities. We then proceed to the analytical content considering the genesis of the recreation, its evolution, functional structure and synergies, in order to evaluate if the activities involved constitute a creative cluster and assess the positive externalities and socioeconomic and spatial impacts generated. The conclusion summarises the relevant issues and includes suggestions for further research
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