The role of complexity in the creative economies: connecting people, ideas and practice

Lead Research Organisation: University of Kent
Department Name: Sch of Arts

Abstract

The research project explored the importance of complexity theory approaches and methods in investigating different aspects of the creative economy. It has built a knowledge community and online resources to enable researchers to consider advantages and challenges presented by complexity theory in analysing the interconnections between people, ideas and practice. Through three independent pilot studies the project engaged with different dynamics of the creative economy at different scales: from idea generation and development dynamics, to collaborative work and knowledge exchange, to reconciling production and consumption and taking into account the role of intermediaries in regional creative clusters. While engaging with key issues of the creative economy the project reflected on the advantages and challenges presented by the use of complexity theory. Overall complexity theory allows researchers to unfold dynamics of different nature and directions, giving central stage to creative agents who are shaped by these dynamics while contributing to changes within local communities, creative events and activities and regional contexts. Complexity approaches used in the pilot studies have given us a clearer understanding of the multi-scale connections which characterise the creative economy as a complex system. The challenges met during the research projects - namely considering connections vs. causality and specificity vs. comparability - provide fertile venues for further research and for further expansion on the use of complexity theory in the creative economy.
 
Description The project aimed to explore how complexity theory and its methodological approaches can help in providing a better understanding of the creative economy as a field of research by connecting various distinctive approaches. The project allowed the outline of a broader framework that bridges the interrelation of ideas, people and practices in the creative economy with the broader socio, cultural and economic contexts. In particular, through 3 pilot projects, complexity-based methods were tested in different area of research (festivals, design, cultural mapping).
Exploitation Route The findings have informed further research collaboration with artists and arts organisations in London.
Sectors Creative Economy,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections
URL http://www.complexity-creative-economy.net/project-outcomes.html
 
Description The findings from the research project have been used to inform further research in the role of complexity in the creative economy by the PI and CO-I. It has also informed some policy work for the project partners and academic community.
First Year Of Impact 2014
Sector Creative Economy,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections
Impact Types Cultural,Economic,Policy & public services
 
Description 'Creative practice, complexity and the creative economy' Research Symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact During the symposium, there were presentations and discussions on the findings emerging from the research project. However, the symposium also aimed to be a platform for other academics or practitioners doing research on the interactions between complexity theory, creative practice and the creative economy and will provide an opportunity for knowledge sharing on the research. As such, the organizers sought contributions from academic and practitioners' discussing their investigations and experiences of using complexity theory in their research on the creative economy or in their creative practice and the potential methodological challenges involved.

Outcomes and papers were made available online
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
URL http://www.complexity-creative-economy.net/final-research-symposium.html
 
Description Complexity and creative economy website 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact We created a website for the research where we made all research, conference and workshop material available and which we used interatively when organising event. This helped create a community of research around this topic.

This helped create a point of contact for peoplw who were interested in this topic who could then contact us about it.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
URL http://www.complexity-creative-economy.net/
 
Description Complexity and the creative economy workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact The workshop helped deepen the understanding of the state of the research on the topic at the time bringing together various disciplinary perspectives both from within and outside the UK. This also gave us the opporuniity to connect with NESTA and other practitioners for which this topic was of interest and stimulate some discussion and further collaboration notably for example with the Glass House.

Increased understanding of the potential of using complexity theory in the creative field.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
URL http://www.complexity-creative-economy.net/first-workshop.html