Micro‐geographies of creative industries clusters in Europe: From hot spots to assemblages

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide basic stylized facts about the spatial patterns of location and co-location of clusters of creative industries in Europe. The research proposes a novel methodology for detailing the spatial delimitation of clusters, based on a geo-statistical algorithm and firm-based micro-data. The procedure is applied to a continuous space of 16 European countries and 15 creative industries in 2009. The investigation reveals that creative firms are highly clustered, and that clusters are concentrated in a 'creative belt' stretching from the South of England to the South-east of Germany. These clusters are predominantly metropolitan, heterogeneous, cross borders, and may co-locate to form assemblages. JEL classification: R12, C49, Z0

A Model of Development Strategy Encompassing Creative Industries to Reduce Visual Pollution - Case study: Strada Franceză, Bucharest's Old City

“…The creative industries may be defined as a set of knowledge-based activities focused on the production of meaning, contents and aesthetic attributes by means of creativity, skill and talent [12]. These qualities make the creative industries to be appreciated by all the segments of the population, but noting that the cultural involvement and spending are affected by the age structure of the population [13], reflected in theirs options in terms of the most desired creative industries.…”

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“…The largest clusters in Europe are located in the central parts of the largest cities [19]. The attraction of inner city sites for creative industry clusters is determined by a range of interdependent factors, such as economic agglomeration, cooperation with local supporting industries, and opportunities for social networking and knowledge exchange [14].…”

“…The places where clusters locate are also different for different industries [19]. A significant body of literature presents arguments that the "power of place" continues to exert an influence [22], "distance is still very much alive" [23], and "place remains the central axis of our time" despite the realities of the global economy dominated by technological advancements, the World Wide Web, and high speed telecommunications [24].…”

“…A local climate of trust, socialization, knowledge exchange, and inspiration stimulates the development of a "critical infrastructure" able to function as an ongoing environment for cultural and economic innovation [42]. Creative industry clusters are predominantly colocated [19]. The colocation of firms also fosters idea generation and an increase in productivity [2,43].…”

“…It also seeks to establish the possible presence of common firm characteristics that might have contributed to the location choices. Creative industry clustering is an extremely important and widespread phenomenon, and coclustering of creative industries is so significant and widespread that it could deserve as much attention as clustering itself [19]. Vorley et al [20] emphasize the need for adopting an empirical approach able to deliver new empirical evidence to test existing presumptions and models when studying the creative industries Microlevel sectoral case studies of creative production clusters prove particularly useful in providing detailed data and hard evidence illuminating complex issues [21].…”