Presented by Anthony Fung
The presentation aims to understand the concept of “digital labour” within China’s cultural and creative industries. By examining recent market data amidst the economic downturn, I argue that the mainstream market of digital platforms has reached a bottleneck in terms of profit and revenue expansion. To sustain content production and market revenues, these digital platforms must seek lower-cost production methods and adopt a blue ocean strategy. In the name of content and market convergence, digital platforms that once relied heavily on professionally generated content (PGC) are now turning to the user-generated content (UGC) market for profitability. Examples of this shift include the incubation of indie musicians on QQ Music, the expansion of spaces for the AGC (Anime, Comics, and Games) market, and the rise of micro-celebrities and micro-dramas supported by Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs). The rise of this UGC-driven cultural economy not only aligns with national interests by absorbing the oversupply of young labour force and university graduates, but it also caters to the more flexible and “slash” lifestyle preferred by the new generation. This shift towards individually platform-contracted jobs reflects a broader trend towards flexibility and diversification in the labour market.
Anthony Y.H. Fung is Dean of Faculty of Social Science and Director of Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is also Professor in the School of Art and Communication at Beijing Normal University. His research interests focus on digital platforms, popular culture, youth and cultural studies, cultural industries and policy. He is editor-in-chief of Global Media and China and co-editor of International Journal of Cultural Studies. He is also a Creative PEC Research Fellow.
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About Creative PEC’s Seminar Series
Creative PEC’s Creative Economy Seminar Series presents cutting-edge research from around the globe, bridging conversations within academia, policy, and creative practice. The series aims to spark discussion on emerging research and its implications for creative industries policy.
Who the seminars are for:
– Creative industries researchers
– Policymakers (local, regional + national)
– Anyone keen to find out more about emerging creative economy research
Each seminar will be held online, and begins with a deep-dive on new research followed by a Q&A. Make space for an hour each month to keep up to date with the latest ideas in creative economy research.
For any questions about the Seminar Series, please get in touch with us at research@pec.ac.uk
90 Minute Seminar, note this event is taking place in person at Newcastle University Business School.
Friday 6 December 2024 | 14:00 GMT | Newcastle University Business School, Room 2.03
No need to book, just turn up.
Past Events
Seminar Series: Digital Culture: Emerging trends in museums online
Thursday 5th December 2024 | 15:00 GMT Hear from Professor Trilce Navarrete who will discuss her on…
Seminar Series: The UGC Revolution: Transforming China’s Cultural and Creative Industries
Friday 6 December 2024 | 14:00 GMT Anthony Fung's presentation explores the concept of "digital lab…
State of the Nations Report launch: Foreign Direct Investment in the UK’s Creative Industries
Wednesday 20 November 2024 | 12noon | Online via Zoom. Join us for the launch of the next report in…
State of the Nations Report launch: Growth Finance for Creative Industries
Wednesday 16th October 2024 | 12noon | Online via Zoom. Join us for the launch of our fifth report …
Seminar Series: “The cost of undoing Europe”: Brexit and the UK textile and the apparel industry
Thursday 3rd October 2024 | 15:00 BST Hear from Professor Simona Iammarino who will be presenting he…
Seminar Series: Competing for Equality: Gender Bias Among Juries in International Piano Competitions, 1890-2023
Karol J. Borowiecki presents his latest research about gender bias among juries in the universe of i…
Report launch: Creative Education in the Four Nations
Join us at the launch of our fourth report in the State of the Nations series
Report launch: UK Arts, Culture and Heritage – Audiences and Workforce
Join us at the launch of our third report in the State of the Nations series
Seminar Series: What is ‘Psychic Income?’
Hear from Professor Doug Noonan about his latest research measuring 'Psychic Income', intangible imp…
Seminar Series: The value of culture and cultural capital externalities
Professor Trine Bille will be discussing a proposal that suggests that cultural policy should take i…
Seminar Series: The role of emotions – Cultural interventions and behavioural change
What is the role of art in influencing behaviour change? This discussion brings together ideas from …
Seminar Series: The economic geography of fashion design in South Africa – Potential beyond large fashion cities?
There is increasing recognition that fashion design is an important growth area for the African crea…
