13 February 2008

Creativity the new driver of the economy?

Countries start to understand the importance of the creative industry. Richard Florida's book on the Creative Class did motivate the Flemish government to launch Flanders DC. This initiative inspires companies to integrate creativity in their business.
The Dutch Association of Designers (BNO) is supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in its activities to promote Dutch design abroad. Visits and presentations are done in various countries to present the specifics of Dutch design.
The British government launched a program to support the creative industry, that accounts for 7,3% of the GDP and employs over 2 million. As the sector has grown twice as fast as the rate of the economy the government is eager to capitalise on the sector. The creative industry should become mainstream of economic and policy thinking and should start with providing children creative education. Many other activities should lead to the position of Britain becoming the creative hub for the world.