For many people, creativity is a vague concept that relates to the creation of original objects and ideas. The most important raw material is often knowledge, or information. ‘Innovation’ is also often mentioned in relationship with creativity.
Creativity in industry involves innovative or pioneering products, but also innovative production processes and business models. Creativity is more than just a useful product. The result of creativity often has a symbolic and/or societal value as well.
Creativity is crucial in realising a prosperous, sustainable and innovative society.
As a collection of various market-oriented cultural sectors – ranging from fashion to architecture and from gaming to dance – the creative industry is a source of applied creativity. The creative industry can understand complex issues and present unexpected solutions, often using the latest technologies.
The creative industry is characterised by its dynamics: it is an excellent example of the booming network economy of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME), self-employed professionals and start-ups, in addition to a smaller number of larger organisations.
The creative industry understands complex (social) issues, represents ideas, creates innovations and offers solutions that - besides serving an economic interest - serve the interest of individuals, society or the environment.
The creative industry is one of the sectors with the greatest impact in the Netherlands. In 2011, the Dutch government marked the Creative Industry as one of the nine top sectors to make the Netherlands more innovative. Through companies and the input from sciences, the government invests to strengthen the sector. The aim of the Dutch Government is for the Netherlands to have the most creative economy in Europe.
This strongly links with the ambition of the Czech government to become one of the most innovative nations in Europe.
The creative industry is one of the fastest growing and most influential sectors of the European economy. The power of the creative industry lies in its ability to innovate and create value: creative companies develop innovative ideas, products, services, systems, strategies and working methods. They can view complex issues and societal challenges in new ways and enable the development of high- quality innovations.
The creative industry reinforces the innovative capacity of a country. With its innovative strength and imaginative power, it can connect people, activate them and give them confidence in tomorrow’s world. The sector is a vital link in providing answers to major social issues and offering a meaningful sense to new technological possibilities.