THE WORK PROGRAMME FOR INNOVATION ECONOMICS AND CULTURE
The main objectives of the current work programme which will be carried into research are to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive work programme aimed at:
i) Generating a new focus on the role and benefits of Innovation Economics as a principal driver for cultural provision. This interest is already being pursued in the form of structured and investigative driving for one of his blogs which examines the economics of dance. Please see http://danceeconomics.wordpress.com In addition, Kalwant Ajimal has been developing a market model for dance. A final version of this model is soon to appear in this blog. However, while on the one hand Kalwant has mainstreamed his cultural work in order to demonstrate the viability of addressing larger markets by synthesising cultural production, he is also compelled to note the significant challenges face by cultural diverse providers. As a result he is planning to launch a subsidiary blog aimed at South Asian dance entrepreneurs.
ii) Finding, understanding and influencing the development of capabilities in the future markets for culture and the supply chain based on strategic investment in innovation economics and the knowledge economy. Some of this work is reflected in a blog. Please see http://diverseview.wordpress.com
iii) Understanding the needs and priorities of different organisations in the cultural sector to address shared priorities and challenges of the creative economy. Please see http://miradorculture.wordpress.com . This is a business blog but also features some of the above aspirations.
iv) Improving the economic performance of cultural providers through innovation and collaboration. A major client in East London is being supported by the development of a cultural networking site. Please see http://eastendarts.ning.com
v) Maximising the impact of digital inclusion, interactive media and emerging web-enabled technologies to extend the markets for culture and to create new points for access to the creative industries and their products and services. This area of work has been of particular interest and some work has been carried out on scope for digital inclusion in small and medium sized businesses.
vi) Creating and participating in an economy-wide network of networks to pursue specific goals through digital inclusion such as new product development, creating new markets and developing skills to shape the future development of creative industries. The focus on skills development is prioritised in some personal work which is reflected in a new blog, which is soon to be launched.
vii) Organising seminars, conferences and workshops to influence future leaders and market makers of the cultural economy of the next 15-20 years. The innovative use of the wikispaces platform will provide a major source of access to readers and markets.
viii) Taking all the above objectives together, the principal aim is to influence the best forms of multipliers in education, training and development as well as in policy development and implementation in the regional economies of London, the South East of England and other regional economies where subscribers and collaborators may be based
