Social Network Analysis of Innovation Cluster in Creative and Cultural Value Chain: Case of George Town World Heritage Site
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Greenwich
Department Name: Systems Management & Strategy, FBUS
Abstract
This research addresses the phenomenon of creative and cultural cluster in a site with a rich cultural heritage. The project will explore questions regarding the role of different actors in developing businesses in cultural districts while preserving and disseminating their cultural heritage. Hence, the research is positioned in a wider debate regarding the links between cultural preservation, urban regeneration and tourism.
The selected site is George Town, a post-British colonial town in Malaysian. The town has experienced gentrification since 1997 after the repeal of Rent Control Act. The pace gentrification exacerbated with the growth of tourism and influx of external capital investment after its have been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Gentrification induces displacement of long-term residents and causes erosion of local culture and heritage - a global phenomenon in many World Heritage Sites.
Nonetheless, a creative and cultural value chain has been developed with involvement of various local and external actors. The development of cultural district is becoming an important tool for urban planning in fostering the development of urban centres and revitalising neighbourhoods in decline. Reviewing the existing models of innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, there is a gap in the scope of these models in capturing civil society actors and insufficiently explaining the phenomena of cultural clusters. Thereby, they are inadequate in informing urban planning policy makers, the innovation community, cultural organisations and small businesses.
The main objectives of this project are:
1) To develop a relational model of innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem for creative and cultural districts
2) To provide social network insights for the development of creative economy and conservation of cultural heritage in George Town
3) To produce a policy brief on strategies for developing creative and cultural districts in George Town
This research intends to deploy a novel approach using Social Network Analysis to identify actors and their networks. Understanding these networks and roles will enable the conceptual development of a novel relational model of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, specifically for cultural districts.
This research will collect, via face-to-face administrated questionnaires, approx. 1000 network relations of actors in the creative and cultural value chain in George Town. We will use UCINET to analyse and map this network and identify its strengths and weaknesses. Based on these findings, we will conduct six in-depth case studies of core actors in the networks to gain rich qualitative insights on how they build innovative and entrepreneurial networks. This method is a novel approach to develop and conceptualise a model of innovation and entrepreneurship for creative and cultural district. The model is applicable more generally to other small towns and cities, particularly world heritage sites, where there is a potential to build a creative and cultural district empowering local residents with opportunities.
For greater impact, we plan to produce a policy brief on cultural districts for George Town. This brief will be built on the findings of the Social Network Analysis and a review of existing policies in the UK and Penang. We will organise a study visit for Malaysian delegates to creative districts in London, NESTA, and the Department of Culture.
The researchers are multi-disciplinary experts from the UK and Malaysia. Two project partners based in Penang are invited to contribute to the research process as well as take the findings forward in policy-making process and in innovation and entrepreneurial activities among the local community. We will organise knowledge sharing and transfer workshops for local researchers. There will be a feedback and dissemination workshop targeting local policy makers, NGOs, and local creative businesses.
The selected site is George Town, a post-British colonial town in Malaysian. The town has experienced gentrification since 1997 after the repeal of Rent Control Act. The pace gentrification exacerbated with the growth of tourism and influx of external capital investment after its have been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Gentrification induces displacement of long-term residents and causes erosion of local culture and heritage - a global phenomenon in many World Heritage Sites.
Nonetheless, a creative and cultural value chain has been developed with involvement of various local and external actors. The development of cultural district is becoming an important tool for urban planning in fostering the development of urban centres and revitalising neighbourhoods in decline. Reviewing the existing models of innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, there is a gap in the scope of these models in capturing civil society actors and insufficiently explaining the phenomena of cultural clusters. Thereby, they are inadequate in informing urban planning policy makers, the innovation community, cultural organisations and small businesses.
The main objectives of this project are:
1) To develop a relational model of innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem for creative and cultural districts
2) To provide social network insights for the development of creative economy and conservation of cultural heritage in George Town
3) To produce a policy brief on strategies for developing creative and cultural districts in George Town
This research intends to deploy a novel approach using Social Network Analysis to identify actors and their networks. Understanding these networks and roles will enable the conceptual development of a novel relational model of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, specifically for cultural districts.
This research will collect, via face-to-face administrated questionnaires, approx. 1000 network relations of actors in the creative and cultural value chain in George Town. We will use UCINET to analyse and map this network and identify its strengths and weaknesses. Based on these findings, we will conduct six in-depth case studies of core actors in the networks to gain rich qualitative insights on how they build innovative and entrepreneurial networks. This method is a novel approach to develop and conceptualise a model of innovation and entrepreneurship for creative and cultural district. The model is applicable more generally to other small towns and cities, particularly world heritage sites, where there is a potential to build a creative and cultural district empowering local residents with opportunities.
For greater impact, we plan to produce a policy brief on cultural districts for George Town. This brief will be built on the findings of the Social Network Analysis and a review of existing policies in the UK and Penang. We will organise a study visit for Malaysian delegates to creative districts in London, NESTA, and the Department of Culture.
The researchers are multi-disciplinary experts from the UK and Malaysia. Two project partners based in Penang are invited to contribute to the research process as well as take the findings forward in policy-making process and in innovation and entrepreneurial activities among the local community. We will organise knowledge sharing and transfer workshops for local researchers. There will be a feedback and dissemination workshop targeting local policy makers, NGOs, and local creative businesses.
Planned Impact
1) National and city level policy research institutions and policy makers
One of the aims of this research is to analyse and compare existing cultural districts policies in the UK and Penang. A policy brief on cultural districts will be produced by consulting the success stories of the UK's £84 billion (in 2014) creative industry. The brief will offer some insights of the results of this research, particularly on the development of suitable collaboration strategies for cultural districts. It will also draw from the novel conceptual model of innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem for cultural sector developed by this research
Our project partners could then take it forward to the next stages of policy formulation and implementation for cultural districts in George Town. The partners are established and influential quasi-governmental think tanks in Penang. The research results will be communicated to them through regular meetings with their researchers. We will be inviting 4 representatives from project partners and other local organisations to a data analysis and interpretation workshop in London. In conjunction with this workshop, we also plan a 2-day visit in London to cultural districts, Nesta, and Department of Culture.
In Year 2, a workshop is planned in Penang to receive feedback from the policy circle and beyond to create awareness and disseminate results.
2) Local traditional civil society groups and businesses along the cultural value chain
One of the key outputs of this project is to provide social network insights for the development of creative economy and conservation of cultural heritage. The results are e.g. social network maps of cultural and creative industry showing the strengths and weaknesses of relationships and ties among various actors. In addition to feeding into policy formulation, they will also enable creative businesses and organisations to alter their network strategies. The development of the novel ecosystem model of innovation and entrepreneurship will help to inform local organisations and businesses to identify new gaps and opportunities
The results will be communicated to the end users. The preliminary social network results will be shown to selected participants for verification as well as achieving the objective of dissemination. We plan a workshop at the end of data analysis so that we can receive feedback and further disseminate findings to the stakeholders
3) Local residents, organisations and individuals in cultural conservation sector
Local residents are often under the threat of displacement due to gentrification in world heritage sites. With the development of cultural districts and expansion of local economy, local residents have more opportunities to start their businesses and avoid the fate of displacement.
By identifying the strengths and weaknesses in the George Town innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the residents and local NGOs can then take on the role to build a healthy ecosystem that enables them to be entrepreneurial and innovative while conserving their culture. This information would be presented in the final workshop in Penang to these groups of beneficiaries. Our project partners would also work with them to bring the ideas forward for implementation.
4) International level policy makers and other stakeholders in heritage conservation and tourism development
The social impact of the project would be significant, particularly in the understanding of developing cultural districts within World Heritage sites across the world. The model of cultural innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem can be replicated globally.
To reach these target recipients, we would publish in academic and practitioner journals, and present in a practitioner conference. Our internal and external advisory board members have connections and can assist in bringing the findings to the attention of UNESCO World Heritage.
One of the aims of this research is to analyse and compare existing cultural districts policies in the UK and Penang. A policy brief on cultural districts will be produced by consulting the success stories of the UK's £84 billion (in 2014) creative industry. The brief will offer some insights of the results of this research, particularly on the development of suitable collaboration strategies for cultural districts. It will also draw from the novel conceptual model of innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem for cultural sector developed by this research
Our project partners could then take it forward to the next stages of policy formulation and implementation for cultural districts in George Town. The partners are established and influential quasi-governmental think tanks in Penang. The research results will be communicated to them through regular meetings with their researchers. We will be inviting 4 representatives from project partners and other local organisations to a data analysis and interpretation workshop in London. In conjunction with this workshop, we also plan a 2-day visit in London to cultural districts, Nesta, and Department of Culture.
In Year 2, a workshop is planned in Penang to receive feedback from the policy circle and beyond to create awareness and disseminate results.
2) Local traditional civil society groups and businesses along the cultural value chain
One of the key outputs of this project is to provide social network insights for the development of creative economy and conservation of cultural heritage. The results are e.g. social network maps of cultural and creative industry showing the strengths and weaknesses of relationships and ties among various actors. In addition to feeding into policy formulation, they will also enable creative businesses and organisations to alter their network strategies. The development of the novel ecosystem model of innovation and entrepreneurship will help to inform local organisations and businesses to identify new gaps and opportunities
The results will be communicated to the end users. The preliminary social network results will be shown to selected participants for verification as well as achieving the objective of dissemination. We plan a workshop at the end of data analysis so that we can receive feedback and further disseminate findings to the stakeholders
3) Local residents, organisations and individuals in cultural conservation sector
Local residents are often under the threat of displacement due to gentrification in world heritage sites. With the development of cultural districts and expansion of local economy, local residents have more opportunities to start their businesses and avoid the fate of displacement.
By identifying the strengths and weaknesses in the George Town innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the residents and local NGOs can then take on the role to build a healthy ecosystem that enables them to be entrepreneurial and innovative while conserving their culture. This information would be presented in the final workshop in Penang to these groups of beneficiaries. Our project partners would also work with them to bring the ideas forward for implementation.
4) International level policy makers and other stakeholders in heritage conservation and tourism development
The social impact of the project would be significant, particularly in the understanding of developing cultural districts within World Heritage sites across the world. The model of cultural innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem can be replicated globally.
To reach these target recipients, we would publish in academic and practitioner journals, and present in a practitioner conference. Our internal and external advisory board members have connections and can assist in bringing the findings to the attention of UNESCO World Heritage.
Organisations
- University of Greenwich (Lead Research Organisation)
- Arts and Humanities Research Council (Co-funder)
- Zhejiang University (Collaboration)
- George Town World Heritage Incorporated (Collaboration)
- Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (Collaboration)
- Think City Sdn Bhd (Project Partner)
- Penang Institute (Project Partner)
Publications
Chan J
(2020)
Entrepreneurial orientation of traditional and modern cultural organisations: Cases in George town UNESCO world heritage site
in Cogent Social Sciences
Chan J
(2021)
An innovative social enterprise: Roles of and challenges faced by an arts hub in a World Heritage Site in Malaysia
in City, Culture and Society
Chan J-H
(2020)
Story from Ttonoh, Pusing and Batu Gajah Areas of Kinta Mines
| Description | This award has just concluded and the findings of the research include: This project develops a network diagram of the creative and cultural cluster in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The network diagram helps to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the ecosystem. The team particularly asks questions on factors pertaining to innovation and knowledge network. The findings suggest that the sector, in general, is not strong in its entrepreneurial orientation (innovativeness, risk-taking behaviour, and pro-activeness). The sources of knowledge and funding are too narrow, limiting further innovation. The results do not indicate a strong network between traditional sector and digital businesses. Specifically, our data shows that the organisations in the Creative Industries and Cultural Sector (CICS) are relatively young, with 74% established after year 2000, and more than 65% are small in terms of annual turnover (less than USD0.75 million). 85% of the organisations are privately owned businesses with small number of public and no-profit enterprises. This research also investigates the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of the organisations in CICS, where EO measures innovativeness, risk-taking preferences, and proactiveness. Even though many organisations in the CICS in George Town are young and the respondents are relatively new in the position, they are generally managed conservatively. There are only one-third of the organisations with high innovativeness, high appetite for risk and being proactive in response to external environment and competition. The results suggest that SMEs in CICS are initially innovative and entrepreneurial as they are primarily new companies offering new products and services to capitalise on the growing CICS and tourism sector. But they tend not to have sufficient capacity to continue investing in developing new (more radical changes than incremental) products and services, and thereby risking rendering into stagnation and conservative in their strategic decision-making. However, there is an interesting observation on the data regarding the high rate of refusal to provide an answer for proactiveness (36.8%). When asked on questions regarding competition and competitor, many of the respondents do not consider competition or do not see their competitor in an antagonistic manner. Qualitative data reveals the intention for cooperation and to develop the CICS (growing the size of the economic cake), and for the common goods of the World Heritage Site. Altruism is among the key factors that bring together the relatively small group of stakeholders, as well as young creative/cultural workers, to develop the creative industries and cultural sector in George Town UNESCO World Heritage. This finding is in contrast to the prevalent concept of autonomy and independence of small firm's entrepreneurs (e.g. Curran & Blackburn, 1994; Stanworth et al., 1989; Taylor & Thorpe, 2004). Instead, small firms in a growing sector and closely clustered community would opt for a more collaborative or coopetition approach (Barney et al., 2017). Romanelli and Schoonhoven (2001) also suggest that entrepreneurs are directly related to working formally or informally with network to configure and reconfigure resources in order to exploit opportunities and to achieve growth. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of innovation and entrepreneurial behaviours of firm in the creative and cultural sector. We will also propose that considerations should be given to firm in CICS particularly where they are located in a small clustered community. Some organisations might have social objectives in addition to financial profiteering. Organisations in this context might be innovative and entrepreneurial without being confrontational with their competitors. Collaboration is viewed as important way ahead to foster common goods for their society and industry. A modification on the entrepreneurial orientation measurement for creative and cultural firms might warrant some thoughts. This findings inform local policy makers and practitioners on the strengths and weaknesses of local creative and cultural firms in term of their innovativeness and entrepreneurial orientation. Organisations in the local CICS should innovate and be entrepreneurial beyond the initiate stage of formation. The manager of firms in the sector would need to reflect on the relevant aspects of entrepreneurial and innovativeness of their organisation. The local government could improve policy instrument to encourage more collaboration not only among organisations in CICS but also with universities and research institutions. Our Social Network Analysis (SNA), which focuses on the relations between actors rather than their individual characteristics, explores five types of relationships Collaboration (projects), Funding (financial flows e.g. grants, subsidies), Advice (exchange of knowledge and information), Training (skills development), and Talent (access to staff). For the collaboration networks, there are: - 300 actors, 203 in the main cluster, 18 actors with no connections (624 ties) - Densely connected main cluster with key role of festival and heritage office in the core of the network cluster - Evidence of core-periphery structure in the main cluster RECOMMENDATIONs: Targeting policies towards actors with key positions enables their dissemination For the funding networks, there are: - 243 actors, 117 in the main cluster, 43 actors with no connections (202 ties) - Funding sources mainly from government institutions, some funding available from community associations and international funders - Very limited evidence of commercial funding such as banks, venture capital, angel investor or crowdfunding RECOMMENDATIONS: Need to diversify funding sources, particularly the commercial funding options and crowd funding options. We would also talk to NESTA on the cooperative approach to funding creative industries and cultural sector - which NESTA is currently active promoting. For the knowledge/advice networks, there are: - 272 actors, 101 actors in the main cluster, 38 actors with no links (211 ties) - Some evidence of clustering according to sub-sector, generally fragmented network - Heritage office, private museums and tourism organisations occupy central roles RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Reaching out to the smaller clusters; 2. Encourage integration between sub-sectors such as tourism organisations & heritage associations and museums For the knowledge/advice networks, there are: - 174 actors, 69 ties (73 no connections, some reported in-house training) - Highly fragmented network of training - Main clusters around festival, think tank and local university RECOMMENDATIONS: Propose for more organised and integrated training (inter & intra sectoral) For the talents networks, there are: - 164 actors, 110 ties (68 actors with no connections, 78 actors in the main cluster) - The key institutions are Penang based including both public and private, some with focus on design education -suggesting strong links between Penang academic community and the creative sector - Relatively lower presence from universities elsewhere in Malaysia and overseas RECOMMENDATIONS: Attract more talent trained outside Penang to increase diversity of creative approaches |
| Exploitation Route | The team had conducted two workshops in the later stage of the research project. We will organise a study visit for Malaysian delegates (Government minister and research institutions) to creative businesses, and other organisations working on encouraging innovation in London e.g. NESTA, Royal Academy of Arts. It would also build network and exchange with London. A public workshop organised in Penang on the 12th January 2019. It was well attended with more than 60 of local businesses, artists, activities and government and institutional officials. It has received good feedback from the policy circles and beyond. We will follow up with this workshop to look into potential impact acceleration activities. We provided a policy brief on creative industries and cultural sector for George Town. This brief will be built on the findings of the Social Network Analysis and a review of existing policies in the UK and Penang, and particularly crafted it to be appropriate for post Covid-19 pandemic recovery. The Brief was provided to the Penang State Government (Penang State Exco for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage) for their consideration and action. The titled of the Brief is "The Importance of Creative Industries in Penang: Building the Creative Industries Back Better post-Covid-19", offering expert opinions on steps and strategies for the recovery of the creative, heritage and arts sectors in George Town, Penang. The project Malaysia PI, Professor Hooi Hooi Lean, has also been appointed and attended the Penang Government Tourism Economy Recovery Advisory Board, which is aimed to craft post-Covid policy response for the creative and cultural sectors in George Town and Penang. In addition, by identifying the strengths and weaknesses in the George Town innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the residents and local NGOs can then take on the role to build a healthy ecosystem that enables them to be entrepreneurial and innovative while conserving their culture. Our project partners will take this research findings further to the policy making arena, to develop policy support for innovation in this sector. We have also taken this research findings (as well as the theories and methods) to wider academics and practitioners beyond George Town. We have made numerous presentations and discussion in other parts of Malaysia, Europe & UK, and China & Taiwan. The findings are well received in mainland China and Taiwan. We have developed collaboration with universities in China. The outcomes of the collaborations include funding awards and publications as listed in the Publications and Funding sections. |
| Sectors | Creative Economy,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
| Description | This research project was concluded in September 2019, but many engagements and dissemination activities/works are still ongoing to create more impact. The research team had direct interactions with more than 120 organisations (SMEs, NGOs, cultural organisations, artists and individual stakeholders) in the creative and cultural sector at George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we raised the questions of innovation and sustainability, we initiated the discussion, which would lead to mindset changes (Thinking differently) and policy changes. The Penang State Government has initiated the discussion and planning to establish an Arts Council to develop and support research and other activities in the creative industries and cultural sector. The Government is now working on a creative industry strategy for George Town, building on the outputs and momentum of this study. There have been more active public engagement activities as well as increasing domestic funding support for the sector. Dr Chan had met and discussed with the minister and representatives in July 2022 to advise them on their creative economy strategies. Further work is to be done on this front. Engagement and dissemination activities have almost stopped due to Covid-19 and related lockdowns in the UK and Malaysia as well as any third countries. The sectors, as in the UK, suffered substantially during the Covid lockdown, which is still continuing in Malaysia at this point of reporting (March 2022). Nonetheless, we have provided a Policy Brief to the Penang State Exco for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage, titled "The Importance of Creative Industries in Penang: Building the Creative Industries Back Better post-Covid-19" offering expert opinions on steps and strategies for the recovery of the creative, heritage and arts sectors in George Town, Penang. The project Malaysia PI, Professor Hooi Hooi Lean, has also been appointed and attended the Penang Government Tourism Economy Recovery Advisory Board. The project's social media page has ~150 posts directly related to the creative industries and cultural sectors in the UK and Penang. They have ~11,000 reaches and substantial engagements with the local communities. The posts are aimed not only to promote our activities but also to disseminate our thinking and the development of these sectors in the UK, new knowledge and thinking in the sector, and new methods and tools for the understanding of the sectors. This project has also led to a new collaboration (in 2022 - 2024) with the prestigious Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, jointly funded under the Leverhulme-British Academy-Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (SRG21\211286). The title of the project is "Innovation Ecosystem of Rural-Urban Nexus (INNERUN): A Social Network Analysis and International Comparative Study of UNESCO World Heritage Sites." This is the extension of the research done in Malaysia. Invited to write articles, book chapters and newsletters for practitioners on learning cities and cultural/heritage tourism: Professor Lean (Malaysia PI) has commissioned and edited a book on Covid-19 (published in 2022): Revitalising ASEAN Economies in a Post-COVID-19 World, World Scientific Publishing Company, ISBN:978-981-122-846-9. https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/12046. Dr Jin Chan, the PI, has contributed a chapter: 2022. COVID-19 Pandemic and Malaysian Tourism, in HH Lean (ed.) Revitalising ASEAN Economies in a Post-COVID-19 World, World Scientific Publishing Company, ISBN:978-981-122-846-9. https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/12046. Dr Jin Hooi Chan has also written an article under the invitation of the editor of PIMA Bulletin. 2021, and 2022. Solidarity and the middle path: Reflections on travel, tourism and hospitality sectors post Covid-19. PIMA Bulletin (38); and Global tourism at a crossroad: the post-Covid recovery and the revival? PIMA Bulletin (42). These were after the initial publication in 2018: Learning Cities: A need for learning to develop mutually beneficial tourist-resident relations. PIMA Bulletin No 18. PASCAL International Observatory. http://pascalobservatory.org/pascalnow/pascal-projects/lcn/learning-cities-need-learning-develop-mutually-beneficial-tourist-resi 2020. Tourism development in community: A double edged sword, in C. Toh (eds.) Stories from Tronoh Pusing and Batu Gajah Areas of Kinta Mines. Unit Hal Ehwal Bukan Islam Negeri Perak. ISBN: 978-967-17955-0-7 (In Chinese) --- a direct outcome and dissemination at the DAC country of this Award. This is regarding the revitalisation of small historical towns in other parts of Malaysia - the ODA list country in this Award. We have contributed and worked with the local university UTAR on this publication. There is potential for future research collaborations for direct interventions in the development of creative and cultural sectors there. Made presentations to a wider community in academia and beyond: 1) International dissemination of the findings of research supported by the Newton Fund Programme Presentations made on the concepts and results of this Newton Project over the years in China, Taiwan, and Malaysia. For examples: - Conducted 6 online workshops in 2022 for the academics and research students at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing. The contents of the workshops include relevant methodology and findings/results of this award. Similar research is to be conducted in China's Xidi-Hongcun UNESCO World Heritage sites. -Invitation to deliver a guest lecture for MBA students in Cultural tourism at Zhejiang University, China, in July 2022. - Invitation to deliver a Keynote Speech at the 2nd Tourism Development International Forum in New Era: Culture, Intelligence and Rural Revitalisation in the Global Perspective: Innovation Ecosystem in Creative and Cultural Sector: Case of George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site (Hangzhou, China) (22 May 2021) - Beijing Normal University (30 December 2019) - National Cultural Development Research Institute, Wuhan University, China (27 December 2019) - Minzu University of China (16 & 17 December 2019) - Universiti Tungku Abdul Rahman, UTAR, Malaysia 19 April 2019) - a direct outcome and dissemination at the DAC country of this Award. - National Chiao-tung University, Taiwan (7 May 2019) - Hangzhou Dianzhi University, China (27 December 2018) - Beijing Normal University, China (18 December 2018) - Zhejiang University, China (10 January 2018) Presentations made at conferences of academics and practitioners: - 2021. Formation of organisational resilience in an online travel agency under turbulent environment: elements, capabilities, and processes. The 6th World Research Summit for Tourism and Hospitality, Dec 2021. - Response to Tourism Development through Self-Gentrification in Indigenous Communities. Featured Symposium, Entrepreneurship Division, Academy of Management Annual Meeting, AOM Aug 2020, Vancouver. - Creative and Cultural Ecologies: Mapping and Understanding. Creative Industries Research Frontiers Seminar Series, Kings College London & Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre. UK (22 January 2020) - British Academy of Management, Birmingham, Mapping Cultural And Creative Industry Clusters In A World Heritage Site: A Social Network Analysis Approach (September 2019) - Sustainability, Technology, and Innovation Research Seminar: Mapping Cultural And Creative Industry Clusters In A World Heritage Site: A Social Network Analysis Approach, (June 2019) - Regional Studies Association Conference, Santiago, Spain, Mapping cultural and creative industry clusters in a World Heritage Site: a relational approach (02 June 2019) 2) Conducted a public forum and deliver a keynote speech on innovation in the digital creative sector and how it could enhance environmental awareness, protection and biodiversity in Malaysia. 3) A public forum organised by the research team and reported in the other section of this return. We have initiated new interests in research and understanding the sector. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2017 |
| Sector | Creative Economy,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
| Impact Types | Cultural,Societal,Economic,Policy & public services |
| Description | Policy Brief |
| Geographic Reach | Asia |
| Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
| Impact | The Importance of Creative Industries in Penang: Building the Creative Industries Back Better post-Covid-19 The report has been submitted to the Penang State Government, Penang State Office for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage, for action in September 2020. Six key points for policymakers and creative industries actors to consider while strategising the rebound of creative industries post-Covid: 1. To foster closer connections between tourism organisations and the creative industries such as arts sectors, to improve and diversify tourist offerings, 2. To strengthen local creative enterprises by being responsive and to focus support by helping grow creative enterprises and entrepreneurs (as well as workers) to reach their potential. This includes providing comprehensive business skills training programmes. A myriad of studies have suggested that many cultural and creative entrepreneurs lack commercial mindset and business skills to growth their operations. High potential enterprises should also be nurtured in order to fully develop their potential in scaling up and internationalisation (exporting their products and services). Establishing a professional skill training institute is recommended, modelling the existing Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) for the high-tech manufacturing sector. Policymakers should also consider breaking down silos between creative and digital subjects in schools, colleges and universities, ensuring a future workforce fit for the future. 3. To institute innovative culture and stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in the creative industries such as generating new ideas, developing new products and services, as well as harnessing new processes and new technologies to be used in the production, delivery, and the user interfaces of the products and services. 4. To develop digital creative industries that build on local culture, heritage and industrial talents. By unlocking the transformative potential of advanced digital technologies, the creative industries could be more resilient, and could better serve the communities, in any future pandemic lockdown. Digital products and services are very much in the forefront of many sectors including education, health and medical (such as VR in medical training and services), maintenance and services (AR and VR), entertainment and games, shopping and retails, and smart tourism. However, the issue of digital divide between traditional and modern creative industries in Penang and George Town should be addressed accordingly. 5. To foster closer connections between the creative industries with the high-tech sectors: I. It is an opportunity to nurture amphibian talents (with tech - creativity skills) to build high-tech/digital creative industries; II. There is a pool of accessible talents (with creative skills & cultural knowledge) for the high-tech sector seeking to improve product design and marketing; III. High-tech sector could be a key market for local arts and other creative industries, offering their cultural knowledge and creative skills not only in product design and marketing but also in human resources development, mental well-being of workers (e.g. art and performance art therapy). 6. To diversify investment structure and develop innovative funding vehicles for the creative industries. In helping to create the right conditions for growth of the creative industries, creative enterprises need to have access to property, markets and finance. The current funding model tends to be too reliant on the government with funds channelled through a few large organisations, hence, the need to diversify the funding streams as well as sources. More innovation will be required in commercial funding and investment in the creative industries. Banks and other funders need to be encouraged to look into developing new ways in evaluating and funding creative enterprises. Innovative digital funding mechanisms should be developed and encouraged. |
| Description | 2020 National Natural Science Foundation of China:Effects of Psychological Ownership on Rural Resident Muti-level Participation in Tourism Development |
| Amount | ¥470,000 (CNY) |
| Funding ID | 72074194 |
| Organisation | National Natural Science Foundation of China |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | China |
| Start | 01/2021 |
| End | 12/2024 |
| Description | Facilitate the Adoption of Circular Entrepreneurship in the Tourism and leisure sector |
| Amount | € 3,891,756 (EUR) |
| Organisation | European Union |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 01/2020 |
| End | 09/2022 |
| Description | Innovation Ecosystem of Rural-Urban Nexus (INNERUN): A Social Network Analysis and International Comparative Study of UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | SRG21\211286 |
| Organisation | The British Academy |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2022 |
| End | 01/2024 |
| Description | Liaoning BaiQianWan Talents Program, China |
| Amount | ¥50,000 (CNY) |
| Organisation | Liaoning Province Government |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | China |
| Start | 04/2018 |
| End | 03/2020 |
| Description | National Social Science Foundation Research Project Scheme:Sustainable Rural Tourism and Residents Participation |
| Amount | ¥400,000 (CNY) |
| Funding ID | 18BJY203 |
| Organisation | National Social Science Foundation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | China |
| Start | 09/2018 |
| End | 06/2021 |
| Title | Social network data of creative industries and cultural sector in George Town UNESCO world heritage site 2017-2018 |
| Description | This research draws on social network data of organisations in the creative industries and cultural sector in George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site. We collected five types of network: 1) Collaborative Network 2) Advice Network 3) Funding Network (giving and receiving) 4) Training 5) Talents. The data set also contains the background information of the organisation (anonymised) and their corresponding quantitative answers on Entrepreneurial Orientation (innovativeness, risk-taking behaviour, pro-activeness of the organisation, based on 5-point Likert scale). This data enables the identification of the type of actors and their networks, and the respective organisation's entrepreneurial orientation. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The dataset has received some attentions with >10 viewing and dowloading of 6 documents. |
| URL | https://reshare.ukdataservice.ac.uk/854148/ |
| Description | British Academy Leverhulme - Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Co-Funded Research Project INNERUN |
| Organisation | Chinese Academy of Social Sciences |
| Country | China |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This collaboration project is call "Innovation Ecosystem of Rural-Urban Nexus (INNERUN): A Social Network Analysis and International Comparative Study of UNESCO World Heritage Sites" Our research team (formed by this Newton Fund ESRC/AHRC Award brings our expertise and experience in innovation ecosystem of World Heritage Site to the partnership. We also contribute our research knowledge in project design, the relevant theories, the methodologies to this collaboration. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner - a team in the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences will contribute local knowledge and local fieldworks, as well as further developed the findings/theories generated by this Newton Fund ESRC/AHRC Award. This will extend the influence of this Newton Fund project beyond the current research site in George Town, Malaysia. |
| Impact | forthcoming |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | George Town World Heritage Incorporated |
| Organisation | George Town World Heritage Incorporated |
| Country | Malaysia |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) is the official body established by Penang Government to manage the UNESCO world heritage site. One of the aims of the organisation is to conserve local heritage and culture. This is an unhill task with substantial challenges. Some traditional skills, trades and cultural activities are increasingly losing supports, relevancy and involvement of young people and the larger community. Some of the long-term residents and small businesses also face the forces of gentrification with increasing property prices and rents as well as encroaching of tourism activities. But the growth of tourism industry also provides good opportunities for the local creative industries and cultural sector. This project contributes to the understanding of how the local small businesses in the creative industries and cultural sector being managed and how their endervours in innovation and entrepreneurial activities. This understanding will contribute to the future strategies and activities of GTWHI, as well as influencing future policy making. |
| Collaborator Contribution | George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) has agreed to be a support partner of the research team. GTWHI has provided valuable supports and insights to the research team, contributing in many aspects such as local knowledge and contacts via a network in the local communities. The partnership although concluded with the completion of the award, the relationship maintains for future continuing works on disseminations and other ad hoc collaborations. |
| Impact | - GTWHI sent their experts to deliver speech and discussions in the public workshop organised by the research team. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Research Collaboration in Tourism, Creative & Cultural Sectors in China |
| Organisation | Zhejiang University |
| Country | China |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | After conducting a number of dissemination activities and discussions in mainland China, we have developed a number of collaborative partners with this partner as the most advanced partner. We have won two Chinese research councils funded projects (details in the funded project section) with researchers in the Institute. and published a number of co-authors papers (see publication section). We had also worked on research proposal and submitted a collaborative grant proposal (UKRI Covid-19) with our Malaysian partners in this Newton Fund and other Chinese partners. We will continue to maintain this partnership to build a stronger team across developing countries (ODA list) and develop research proposal for grant biddings and writing research publication. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner brings extensive academic and industrial experience as well as strong government and industry networks in the creative, cultural and tourism sectors in China, particularly in Zhejiang Province - one of the provinces with very high social and economic activities pertaining to these sectors in China. |
| Impact | Funded projects: 1. National Social Science Foundation, China ????????(18BJY203), Sustainable Rural Tourism and Residents Participation 2. National Natural Science Foundation of China ??????????(72074194), Effects of Psychological Ownership on Rural Resident Muti-level Participation in Tourism Development Publications: 1. 2020. Why are Chinese and North American guests satisfied or dissatisfied with hotels? An application of big data analysis. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 32(10): 3249-3269. 2. 2020. Operational risks and coping strategies of micro-enterprise in peer-to-peer accommodation service sector: Evidences from China. Industrial Management and Data Systems, 120(9): 1759-1775. 3. 2020. Independent travellers' niche hotel booking motivations: The emergence of a hybrid cultural society. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 89: 102573. 4. (in-press) Customer experience and brand loyalty in the full-service hotel sector: The role of brand affect. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. DOI (10.1108/IJCHM-10-2020-1177) |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | An invited talk on Sustainable Heritage Tourism: Community Entrepreneurship & Innovation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to deliver a talk on Sustainable Heritage Tourism: Community Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Institute of Technology Management, National Chiao-tung University in Taiwan. The contents of the talk are derived from the findings of this research funded by the Newton Fund award. The National Chiao-tung University is the top university in Taiwan in technological entrepreneurship and innovation, driving Taiwanese high-tech industries. As the industry increasingly absorbing the elements of creative and cultural sectors, the Institute of Technology Management is developing its expertise and providing relevant education to students and businesses. The event was attended by practitioners and PhD students, creating substantial interests in the respective topics, potentially developing new research projects and collaborations. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Invited Research Lecture: : Sustainable heritage tourism development in China and Penang: Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the community |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | An invitation was extended to Dr Jin Chan to deliver a research talk at the Business School, Universiti Tungku Abdul Rahman. Dr Chan presented the findings of this Newton Fund research, looking into building a healthy ecosystem of cultural and creative industries in George Town, Penang. He has also used examples of his relevant research in China. The UTAR university is located in a small town, Kampar, near the city of Ipoh in Malaysia, about 200km away from George Town, Penang. It is a former tin mining town since the British era in Peninsula Malaya. The local government and entrepreneurs are interested in developing heritage tourism building on the legacy of tin mining. Dr Chan was invited to have a tour to the local heritage sites and the old town centre. A discussion was sparked on how could tourism industry developed in a sustainable manner. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Invited Research Lecture: Social Network Analysis of Innovation Cluster in Creative and Cultural Value Chain: Case of George Town World Heritage Site |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to deliver a talk on the findings of the research funded by this award. The National Institute of Cultural Development of Wuhan University is one of the top Chinese institution in the study of museums, cultural development, cultural and creative industries, and conservation-restoration of cultural heritage in China. The event was attended by specialists, practitioners and PhD students researching in the respective areas. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Keynote Speech on Culture, Intelligence and Rural Revitalisation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | An invited Keynote Speech at the 2nd Tourism Development International Forum in New Era: Culture, Intelligence and Rural Revitalisation in the Global Perspective. The title is "Innovation Ecosystem in Creative and Cultural Sector: Case of George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site". The forum is located in Hangzhou City, China. The attendance includes Chinese and international academics, post-graduate students, policy makers, and tourism and cultural sector practitioners and businesses. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | London Creative Industries and Cultural Sector Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | This week-long workshop in London involved both the overseas Malaysian delegates and London based organisations and businesses in the creatives industries and cultural sector. Below are lists of key attendants and organisations involved. They include NESTA, Royal Academy of Arts and the Penang State Government's Executive Councillor holding the portfolios including Tourism Development, Heritage, Arts and Culture. This Workshop has sparked questions on the important of innovation in the creative industries and cultural sector. Some local communities or organisations see innovation is in contradiction to heritage conservation. This debate is important to ensure sustainability and prosperity of the sectors and the vibrancy of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. External Advisors, Speakers and Friends (not in any particular order) Prof Bernard Lane (Project academic advisor) Prof Vincent Qi (ANU, China; Wolfson College & Judge Business School, Cambridge) Old Royal Naval College: https://www.ornc.org/ Sarah Duthie, Public Engagement Director, Old Royal Naval College Will Palin, Conservation Director, Old Royal Naval College NESTA (National Endowment of Science, Technology and Arts): https://www.nesta.org.uk Dr Benjamin Reid, Head of International, Research, Analysis and Policy Team Georgina Innes, The Nesta Creative Hubs Programme, Nesta Skills Team Eliza Easton, Policy Manager, Creative Industries Team Royal Academy of Arts: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/ Prof Richard Simmons CBE (Executive Chairman, BPP Education Group) Karin Grundy, Head of Patrons, RA Alchemy, Atlantic Productions Limited: http://alchemyvr.com/ Daniel Wan, Lead Creative (VR/AR), Alchemy Directors UK: https://www.directors.uk.com/ Malaysian Delegation (not in any particular order) Penang State Government Honourable Yeoh Soon Hin, Member of Penang State Legislative Assembly, and member of Penang State Executive Council holding portfolios including Tourism Development, Heritage, Arts and Culture: https://idirektori.penang.gov.my/papar_exco.php Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia: Dr Hardy Shafii, Dean of School of Arts Dr Lean Hooi Hooi, Professor of Economics, Project Principal Investigator (Malaysia) http://www.soc.usm.my/index.php/academic-profile/economics/188-lean-hooi-hooi Dr Intan Hashimah Mohd Hashim; Assoc. Professor of Psychology Dr Khoo Suet Leng Lee Cheah Ni, local artist & project research assistant Penang Institute (Malaysia): Prominent political think-tank in Penang, Malaysia Dr Ooi Kee Beng (Dato), Executive Director, http://penanginstitute.org Dr Lim Kim Hwa, Board Member, Board of Directors, Penang Institute; Fellow of Judge Business School, University of Cambridge Think City (Malaysia): Community-based urban regeneration SPV owned by the Malaysian National sovereign fund Khazanah National Bhd.: https://thinkcity.com.my Daniel Lee Hin Bus Depot Arts Gallery and Community Centre: http://hinbusdepot.com/index.html Tan Shih Thoe, Manager |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Newton Public Workshop: Social Network Analysis of Innovation Cluster in Creative and Cultural Value Chain in George Town World Heritage Site |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A dissemination workshop was held on 12th of January 2019. The workshop was attended by members from the community and policy makers. The objective of the workshop were to discuss preliminary findings of the project and to obtain feedback from project partners and public audience related to innovation and social network activities of creative and cultural sectors in George Town world heritage site. The workshop sparked further discussions on the way to more forward for the creative and cultural industry in George Town. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |