Rafael Popper, Michael Keenan, Ian Miles, Maurits Butter, Graciela Sainz de la Fuenta 2007, Global Foresight Outlook 2007 for the
EFMN Network at

http://www.foresight-network.eu/files/reports/efmn_mapping_2007.pdf

Hidden innovation in the creative industries

Ian Miles and Lawrence Green, July 2008, Hidden Innovation in the creative industries published by NESTA, London

Innovation has been a subject of serious academic and policy interest for several decades. The ‘creative industries’ have been studied for a shorter period of time, but perhaps more intensely. However, we do not understand well the process of innovation within the creative industries, nor how waves of innovation from elsewhere impact upon them. Since they represent a large and fast-growing part of our economy, this gap in our understanding needs to be remedied.

This research project uses the tools of ‘traditional’ innovation research to explore, analyse and compare innovation in four sectors that are critical to the UK’s creative future: videogames development, product design, advertising, and independent broadcast production. Technology is an important driver of innovation in all four sectors, but much innovation remains ‘hidden’ – uncounted by traditional innovation indicators. Moreover, the sectors studied display varied abilities to adapt to new technologies and increasing competition.