A Silver Lining? Consumer Preferences over Human-Made and AI-Generated Production in Two Domains
This paper assesses whether consumers are willing to pay more for human-made versus AI-generated images and poetry.
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Research by Themes
Creative industries present huge opportunity for export growth
New research published today by Creative PEC shows that the creative industries present a huge opportunity for export growth.
Trade restrictions and UK creative services
Read the latest State of the Nations report from Newcastle University on trade restrictions and UK creative services.
Measure what matters: Priority pathways and Creative Higher Education
Bernard Hay, Creative PEC’s Policy Director, investigates the surprising absence of creative subjects from the DfE and DWP’s new ‘priority pathways’.
Universities vital for driving regional creative industries growth and innovation
New research published today by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) reveals the vital role universities play in supporting place-based growth and innovation.
Creative Clusters, Geography and University-Industry Links
This new report provides updated estimates on the spatial distribution of creative industries activity at the regional and cluster level.
Audiences and workforce in arts, culture and heritage sectors: Recent trends and evidence for Scotland
New research on Scotland’s arts, culture and heritage finds persistent inequalities in participation.
The Path to Net Zero: Exploring Funding Options for Retrofitting Cultural Buildings
Examining the real world energy and cost savings and ROI from cultural retrofitting projects.
Major new study finds creative employers are ambitious for growth but hampered by an outdated skills system
A new study published today by Creative PEC and Work Advance is being called a ‘watershed moment’ for the creative industries.
Creative Industries Skills Audits
This sector-wide study by Creative PEC and Work Advance unveils the current and future skills needs of the creative industries.
11 actions for the cultural and creative industries in the age of AI
A guide to help the cultural and creative industries address the rise of AI, from the GCEC.
Training for managers in the creative industries is 11% lower than across the wider UK economy
New research finds there is significant room for improvement in management practices in the creative industries.
Management Practices in the Creative Industries
New research shows that training for managers in the creative industries is 11% lower than across the wider UK economy.
Creative PEC response to the AI and Copyright Inquiry
Read Creative PEC’s submission to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee’s AI and Copyright Inquiry.
Creative Industries present huge investment opportunity
New research shows ‘high-growth potential firms’ outnumber both Life Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing.
High-Growth Potential Firms in the UK’s Creative Industries
This new report demonstrates that the Creative Industries account for almost a tenth of UK firms classified as having ‘high-growth potential’.
Key Statistics on the Creative Industries
A page collecting national statistics from Creative PEC’s research and other sources about the creative industries.
Harnessing the growth potential of createch
This insights paper summarises existing evidence on the present opportunities and challenges in creative technology.
Support for R&D and Innovation in Creative Industries Micro Firms
New research shows creative industries micro firms are more likely to engage in R&D than firms in other sectors.
Will the Creative Exporters Please Stand Up?
Read the latest State of the Nations report from Newcastle University on recent export trends and features of creative MSME exporters.
Analysis of over 168 million job postings suggests that Generative AI has not reduced demand for creativity skills
AI is redefining rather than replacing the need for creativity, according to new research published today.
Demand for Creativity and AI Skills in the Post-ChatGPT Labour Market
This study examines the evolving relationship between employer demand for creativity and AI skills in the UK labour market.
Who Stays and Who Leaves? Mapping Arts, Culture and Heritage Careers
Exit rates from the sector are higher compared with other sectors. Freelancers form the vital backbone. Download the report.
Association of South-East Asian Nations’ long-term view of the creative economy
John Newbigin examines the ASEAN approach to sustainability and the creative economy.
Rewriting the Logic: Designing Responsible AI for the Creative Sector
As AI reshapes how culture is made and shared, Ve Dewey asks: Who gets to create? Whose voices are erased?
Reflections from Creative Industries 2025: The Road to Sustainability
How can the creative industries drive meaningful environmental sustainability?
Creating value: the creative economy beyond culture by Marta Foresti
Marta Foresti explains the value of international cooperation as she becomes Chair of the GCEC.
Creative industries employers’ perspectives on skills initiatives: 2025
Rapid technological advances and an ageing population requires a more robust talent pipeline and investment in lifelong learning.
Regional Trade Agreements, Cultural Provisions and Trade in Cultural Goods
Analysing the impact of Regional Trade Agreements on the bilateral trade of cultural goods from 1999 to 2019.
Taking stock of the Creative Industries Sector Plan
We summarise some of the key sector-wide announcements from the Creative Industries Sector Plan.
Why higher education matters to the arts, culture and heritage sectors
Professor Dave O’Brien, Professor of Cultural and Creative Industries at University of Manchester, Dr Mark Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Quantitative Methods at University of Sheffield and Dr Ruoxi Wang, Research… Read More »Why higher education matters to the arts, culture and heritage sectors
What does the 2025 Spending Review mean for the creative industries?
A read out from Creative PEC Bernard Hay and Emily Hopkins On Wednesday 11th June the UK Government published its Spending Review, which outlines UK Government departmental budgets for day-to-day… Read More »What does the 2025 Spending Review mean for the creative industries?
Highly skilled, international talent helps fuel UK creative industries growth, finds new report
Embargoed 9am (UK time) Tuesday 10 June 2025 As the dust settles on the UK government’s Immigration White Paper, the creative industries reflect on what tighter restrictions might mean. New… Read More »Highly skilled, international talent helps fuel UK creative industries growth, finds new report
Migration in UK Creative Occupations and Industries
Filling the evidence gap in relation to migration, creative occupations and creative industries.
Increasing inequality in arts and culture revealed by new research
Embargoed 00.01 Wednesday 7 May 2025 A new report from the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) provides fresh insight on Arts, Culture and Heritage workforce and participation… Read More »Increasing inequality in arts and culture revealed by new research
Arts, Culture and Heritage: Recent Trends in UK Workforce and Engagement in England
Exploring regional discrepancies and a widening gap by class and ethnicity in terms of who engages with arts and culture.
Bridging the Imagination Deficit
The Equity Gap in Britain’s Creative Industries[1]. by Professor Nick Wilson The creative industries are significant contributors to the UK economy and to intellectual exports. However, underlying this vibrant growth… Read More »Bridging the Imagination Deficit
Why accredited qualifications matter in journalism
Journalism occupations are included on the DCMS’s list of Creative Occupations and, numbering around 83,000, comprise about four per cent of the total employed in Creative Occupations[1]. In today’s fast-paced… Read More »Why accredited qualifications matter in journalism
All Together Now?
Co-location of the Creative Industries with Other Industrial Strategy Priority Sectors Dr Josh Siepel The UK’s forthcoming Industrial Strategy identifies eight priority sectors, including the creative industries, to be targeted… Read More »All Together Now?
Higher Education and the Arts and Culture Sectors
A Creative PEC State of the Nations Report In this report, we consider the important role that higher education (HE) plays in supplying the talent needs of the arts and… Read More »Higher Education and the Arts and Culture Sectors
The impact of overseas mergers and acquisitions on UK video games industry
A new scoping study on the economic consequences and potential market failures The BFI’s Research and Statistics Unit and Creative PEC, with Games Investor Consulting and Oxford Economics, have published a… Read More »The impact of overseas mergers and acquisitions on UK video games industry
Creative PEC response to the AI and Copyright Consultation
Read the Government Submission on AI and Copyright from Creative PEC.
Industry Insights: AI and Copyright
On 5th February 2025, the Creative PEC convened a roundtable of our Industry Champions network to discuss the main issues relating to AI and copyright and to get a sense… Read More »Industry Insights: AI and Copyright
The Mahakumbh Mela, India, 2025
The festival economy: A Priceless Moment in Time Worth GBP 280 Billion in Trade Jairaj Mashru looks at the festival economy and how these large events drive creativity and innovation.… Read More »The Mahakumbh Mela, India, 2025
Class inequalities in film funding
Professor Dave O’Brien, University of Manchester, Dr Peter Campbell, University of Liverpool and Dr Mark Taylor, University of Sheffield Inequalities in the film industry have been the subject of much… Read More »Class inequalities in film funding
Creative self-employed workforce in England and Wales
Dr Ruoxi Wang, University of Sheffield and Bernard Hay, Head of Policy at Creative PEC Self-employed individuals make up a uniquely high proportion of the creative industries workforce, as well… Read More »Creative self-employed workforce in England and Wales
What can we learn about the innovation performance of the Creative Industries from the UK Innovation Survey?
Creative PEC launches new research exploring how the creative industries participate in innovation activities including: R&D, investment, product and service development, environmental benefits and business strategy. The report, produced by… Read More »What can we learn about the innovation performance of the Creative Industries from the UK Innovation Survey?
What just happened to funding for culture in Scotland?
First the facts: Creative Scotland announced the outcome of its new Multi-Year Funding Programme on 30th January 2025. Over the next three years, more than £200 million will be provided… Read More »What just happened to funding for culture in Scotland?
New Government-backed survey will provide unprecedent insight on what drives growth in the creative industries
In further indication of the increasing importance the Government is putting on the creative industries, a new initiative launches this week that will provide unprecedented insight on what drives growth… Read More »New Government-backed survey will provide unprecedent insight on what drives growth in the creative industries
Make Freelancing Pay
New research shows innovative tax and benefits policies could transform UK Screen Industry freelancers’ livelihoods. The research reveals that innovative tax and benefits policies could dramatically improve financial security for… Read More »Make Freelancing Pay
Unleashing Creativity: Fixing the Finance Gap in the Creative Industries
This report is a collaboration between Creative UK and the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC). It is based on a survey of 896 firms from all creative… Read More »Unleashing Creativity: Fixing the Finance Gap in the Creative Industries
Skills Mismatches in the UK’s Creative Industries
A Creative PEC State of the Nations Report The rapid growth of the UK’s creative industries has earned them a place in the UK government’s Industrial Strategy as a priority… Read More »Skills Mismatches in the UK’s Creative Industries
Copyright and AI – a new AI Intellectual Property Right for composers, authors and artists
Background The new technology landscape emerging from the super rapid progress in developing AI, Generative AI (GenAI) and towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has been dominated by hyperscale super-funded, largely… Read More »Copyright and AI – a new AI Intellectual Property Right for composers, authors and artists
Creative PEC: A Year in Review
Looking back at Creative PEC in 2024 – a year of policy, research and industry achievements, events, reports and impact.
Measuring the economic value of digital culture
What are consumers are willing to pay for digital streaming services, and how do we measure it?
Lifelong learning in the creative industries, part 2: the solutions
In part 2 of the blog, our Industry Champions discuss possible solutions to the challenges of lifelong learning in the creative industries
Lifelong learning in the creative industries – part 1: the challenges
Our Industry Champions discussed the challenges faced in creative industries education and lifelong learning at the recent roundtable.
Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy
Creative PEC Response In November 2024 the UK Government published a green paper, Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. It sets out their vision for a modern industrial strategy… Read More »Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy
Foreign Direct Investment in the UK’s Creative Industries
A Creative PEC State of the Nations Report With the UK Government’s forthcoming industrial strategy highlighting the creative industries as a key sector for both investment and growth, this new… Read More »Foreign Direct Investment in the UK’s Creative Industries
Curriculum Review Call for Evidence – Creative PEC Submission
Introduction Creative PEC provided a limited response to the UK Government’s Curriculum Review which closed in November 2024. While our work has not historically looked at curriculum issues in detail,… Read More »Curriculum Review Call for Evidence – Creative PEC Submission
Creative Corridors: Connecting Clusters to Unleash Potential
Introducing the Creative Corridors framework.
Scaling Up: AI and Creative Tech
Creative PEC Submission for the Communications and Digital Committee Creative PEC responded to the UK Government’s inquiry examining the challenges facing SMEs seeking to scale up in the UK. The… Read More »Scaling Up: AI and Creative Tech
Growth Finance for Creative Industries
A Creative PEC State of the Nations report Re-imagining growth finance could boost the creative economy and help tackle regional inequality in support of the UK’s Government’ s growth mission.… Read More »Growth Finance for Creative Industries
With the right financial support creative industries could fuel the Government’s growth mission and help tackle persistent regional inequality
A new report published today by the AHRC-funded Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) says re-imagining growth finance could boost the creative economy and help tackle regional inequality… Read More »With the right financial support creative industries could fuel the Government’s growth mission and help tackle persistent regional inequality
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 in the State of the Nations series
Creative UK Access to Finance Survey: Share Your Views
Professor Hasan Bakhshi, Director Creative PEC and Josh Siepel, Research Lead, R&D, Innovation and Creative Clusters, Creative PEC Over the past few weeks, you may have been contacted or seen… Read More »Creative UK Access to Finance Survey: Share Your Views
Policy Brief: Insights from the Northern Creative Corridor Workshops Sprint
The Northern Creative Corridor is an initiative aimed at connecting creative clusters across Northern England to drive regional growth in the creative industries. Led by a coalition including the Royal… Read More »Policy Brief: Insights from the Northern Creative Corridor Workshops Sprint
Policy Brief: International Trade and the UK Creative Industries
This policy brief examines international trade in the UK creative industries. Drawing on our UK Trade in a Global Creative Economy State of the Nation report, the brief highlights key… Read More »Policy Brief: International Trade and the UK Creative Industries
Beyond growth: promoting inclusive development of creative clusters in the UK
The UK creative industries have been an economic powerhouse for over two decades, contributing £125 billion to the economy in 2022 and supporting nearly 2.4 million jobs. However, this growth… Read More »Beyond growth: promoting inclusive development of creative clusters in the UK
Access to Finance: launch of new research project
New research is being undertaken by Creative UK in partnership with the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) and BVA BDRC, supported by the Creative Industries Council, Bloomberg Philanthropies… Read More »Access to Finance: launch of new research project
Copyright protection in AI-generated works: Evolving approaches in the EU and China
Prof Kristofer Erickson discusses the different approaches the EU and China have taken in response to the legal challenges created by AI in copyright law.
Creative Further Education in the four UK nations
Our fourth State of the Nations report looks at student participation in creative further education (FE) across all four UK nations and shows that there is a severe drop in… Read More »Creative Further Education in the four UK nations
Arts, Culture and Heritage: Audiences and Workforce
A Creative PEC State of the Nations Report Arts, culture and heritage play a vital role in the UK, enriching society and generating new ideas, while also significantly contributing to… Read More »Arts, Culture and Heritage: Audiences and Workforce
Improving economic statistics in the creative industries
Towards multi-regional creative industries satellite accounts In today’s ever-evolving economic landscape, policymakers are increasingly recognising the potential of creative industries to drive growth, innovation, and export opportunities across various sectors.… Read More »Improving economic statistics in the creative industries
Creative PEC’s response to the Spring Budget 2024
Creative Industries in the 2024 Spring Budget The creative industries are a significant part of the UK economy. Spanning sub-sectors from advertising and music, to design, film TV, and publishing,… Read More »Creative PEC’s response to the Spring Budget 2024
‘One Creative North’ plans finalised at summit ahead of Convention of the North
30 organisations meet to set out a bold new vision for the north of England’s creative industries Today (22 February) representatives and leaders from 30 organisations will meet to set… Read More »‘One Creative North’ plans finalised at summit ahead of Convention of the North
Copyright protection in AI-generated works
Timely exploration of copyright law and AI generated creative content
Autumn Statement 2023 – Creative PEC’s representation
The Autumn Statement presents an opportunity for the government to supercharge its plans laid out in the Creative Industries Sector Vision to grow the creative industries by £50 billion and… Read More »Autumn Statement 2023 – Creative PEC’s representation
Geographies of Creativity
A Creative PEC State of the Nations report Place matters when it comes to creativity. Where do creative clusters arise and what can policymakers do to optimise intervention? This first… Read More »Geographies of Creativity
Policy Brief: Transitioning to Sustainable Production across the UK Theatre Sector
This policy brief outlines recommendations for transitioning to more sustainable theatre production practices across the UK theatre sector. It is based on research by Professor Roberta Mock that examined sustainable… Read More »Policy Brief: Transitioning to Sustainable Production across the UK Theatre Sector
Impact Investing in the Cultural and Creative Sectors: Insights from an emerging field
This report identifies a burgeoning movement of investing for impact in the cultural and creative sectors globally, emerging at the precise moment that the sector urgently needs to examine new… Read More »Impact Investing in the Cultural and Creative Sectors: Insights from an emerging field
New research calls for change in film, TV and games sectors to improve access and progression for disadvantaged young people
While the film, TV and games industries are one of the UK’s greatest success stories, new research calls for change from the sector to provide disadvantaged young people with better… Read More »New research calls for change in film, TV and games sectors to improve access and progression for disadvantaged young people
Improving young people’s access and progression in work in film, TV and games
Young people can face significant barriers to achieving their full potential in UK society. Disparities in educational and employment outcomes between disadvantaged young people and their peers are well-evidenced and… Read More »Improving young people’s access and progression in work in film, TV and games
The economic value of cinema venues to their communities
In a tough economic climate for cinemas and where there is limited public funding, it is important to calculate their economic value more fully and it is incumbent on policymakers… Read More »The economic value of cinema venues to their communities
Creative diversity in higher education
As the APPG for Creative Diversity launches their annual report, ‘Making the Creative Majority’, Alice Kent looks at the findings and discusses some of the Creative PEC’s research on diversity in the… Read More »Creative diversity in higher education
International Trade Challenges and the Effectiveness of Support Measures for the UK’s Creative Industries
The formidable challenges confronting the UK’s creative industries in the realm of exports, stemming from the convergence of Covid-19 and the conclusion of the EU transition period, reached their apex… Read More »International Trade Challenges and the Effectiveness of Support Measures for the UK’s Creative Industries
Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s British Film and High-End Television Inquiry
Creative PEC’s Response Executive Summary In this submission, the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) addresses several of the questions posed by the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS)… Read More »Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s British Film and High-End Television Inquiry
Press release: With coordinated action North of England based creative industries could add £10bn to the UK economy
Today, the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) and the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC), led by Newcastle University, say there is a ‘clear opportunity’… Read More »Press release: With coordinated action North of England based creative industries could add £10bn to the UK economy
Northern England’s Creative Industries
The Creative Industries are already a driver of growth across the UK economy. Export-intensive and major employers, they also attract significant investment from overseas. Large and small clusters of creative… Read More »Northern England’s Creative Industries
Estimating the Contribution of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) R&D to Creative Industries R&D
The UK’s creative industries are hugely innovative; PEC research has suggested that over two-thirds of creative industries businesses conduct R&D. But despite this, uptake of R&D tax credits, which encourage business… Read More »Estimating the Contribution of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) R&D to Creative Industries R&D
Press Release: ‘Creative Corridors’ can be the key to the UK’s creative industries’ ambitions
Today (Saturday 16 September), three major institutions announce a joint agreement to work together to determine the skills, policies and investment required to achieve sustained growth in the creative sector.… Read More »Press Release: ‘Creative Corridors’ can be the key to the UK’s creative industries’ ambitions
Press release: Relationship between creative industries and gentrification overstated says new study
August 2023 – It’s a commonly held view that the arts drive gentrification. Many city leaders argue that new creative firms and a growing artistic population can support economic renewal.… Read More »Press release: Relationship between creative industries and gentrification overstated says new study
Authors’ Earnings in the UK
This policy briefing sets out areas for possible policy action, proposed by the researchers at CREATe who conducted a survey of UK writers for the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society… Read More »Authors’ Earnings in the UK
Could the UK be a creative haven for writers? With support from policymakers, yes, says new report
17 August 2023 – The latest Authors’ Earnings Survey, from researchers at the CREATe Research Centre at the University of Glasgow, made for concerning reading. Author income is in sharp… Read More »Could the UK be a creative haven for writers? With support from policymakers, yes, says new report
Tomorrow comes today
This comprehensive new report provides evidence and commentary to highlight the key features of the environment facing the creative industries and business models over the next 5 to 10 years,… Read More »Tomorrow comes today
Creative Destruction? Creative firms, workers and residential gentrification
A new study by Tasos Kitsos, Max Nathan, and Diana Gutierrez-Posada finds only a minor influence of creative firms and workers on neighborhood gentrification in England and Wales between 2001-2011.… Read More »Creative Destruction? Creative firms, workers and residential gentrification
Speaking with One Voice
A fundamental remit of the BBC, and other public service broadcasters (PSBs) like ITV and Channel 4, is to provide a high quality public service, that informs, educates and entertains… Read More »Speaking with One Voice
The Media Bill and the future of Public Service Broadcasting policy
In March the government published the first draft of its long-awaited Media Bill. The Bill proposes wide-ranging reforms to the Communications Act 2003, which has stood for 20 years as the… Read More »The Media Bill and the future of Public Service Broadcasting policy
Creative spillovers: Do the creative industries benefit firms in the wider economy?
The creative industries are a force for innovation in the UK. Firms in the creative industries (CIs) are considerably more likely to engage in innovation-generating activities and to have introduced… Read More »Creative spillovers: Do the creative industries benefit firms in the wider economy?
Transitioning to Sustainable Production across the UK Theatre Sector
This discussion paper examines transitional pathways to sustainable theatre production in the UK. By presenting and evaluating the application of circular economy principles within a variety of theatre-making contexts, it… Read More »Transitioning to Sustainable Production across the UK Theatre Sector
Rewatch the State of Creativity
Missed the State of Creativity? Now you can watch the whole thing online You can watch below, or go directly to our Youtube channel. The event has been fully captioned. Credit… Read More »Rewatch the State of Creativity
The Motives of Inbound Foreign Direct Investors in the UK Creative Industries
The UK’s creative industries have a global reach. British arts, technology, and design are internationally famous, and attract investment from around the world. There are many different reasons for foreign… Read More »The Motives of Inbound Foreign Direct Investors in the UK Creative Industries
Net Zero as a catalyst in fashion micro and small enterprises
This report identifies examples of work taking place across three levels of change – social, ecological and economic wellbeing – that could act as pilots in and beyond the fashion… Read More »Net Zero as a catalyst in fashion micro and small enterprises
Identifying and analysing UK fashion micro-clusters
The UK’s Fashion and Textiles industry contributed almost £20 billion to the UK economy in 2020 and remains a major UK employer with 500,000 jobs supported across design, manufacturing and… Read More »Identifying and analysing UK fashion micro-clusters
Fashion MSMEs confronting climate change, COVID-19 and Brexit
This discussion paper presents findings from a study which analysed the impact of climate change, COVID-19, and Brexit on the drivers and factors underlying the supply chain relocation strategies of… Read More »Fashion MSMEs confronting climate change, COVID-19 and Brexit
Press release: Landmark Creative Industries report says: prioritise creative education, end unequal access to the arts and focus on the regenerative power of the creative sector
27 April 2023 – Today, the Creative PEC launches a landmark report – The State of Creativity – reflecting on 25 years of creative industry policy, since the era of cool Britannia and… Read More »Press release: Landmark Creative Industries report says: prioritise creative education, end unequal access to the arts and focus on the regenerative power of the creative sector
The State of Creativity
Download and read the State of Creativity in Arabic قم بتحميل وقراءة التقرير باللغة العربية Thanks to our partners at the British Council, you can now read the State of Creativity… Read More »The State of Creativity
The networked shift: A creative industries foresight study
The near future of the creative industries will be a networked shift Digital tools and processes are already enabling creative practitioners and audiences to reconfigure their outputs and interests in… Read More »The networked shift: A creative industries foresight study
Post-Brexit migration and accessing foreign talent in the Creative Industries
The UK’s departure from the EU has changed the way that British firms trade and work with Europe. Brexit has introduced new barriers to the single market, and through the… Read More »Post-Brexit migration and accessing foreign talent in the Creative Industries
Brexit uncertainty and international trade in services: Evidence from the UK creative industries 2014-2019
This discussion paper is based on one of the first studies to look at the impact of Brexit on the Creative Industries international trade performance. This analysis of international trade… Read More »Brexit uncertainty and international trade in services: Evidence from the UK creative industries 2014-2019
Press release: Growing skills shortage & international trade decline post-Brexit
NEWS RELEASE Download the Press ReleaseEmbargoed: 00.01 UK time Thursday 30th March Two papers published today by the AHRC-funded Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) point to worrying trends… Read More »Press release: Growing skills shortage & international trade decline post-Brexit
The PEC’s response to the 2023 Spring Budget
The creative industries are a vital part of the UK economy. There are, however, some continued challenges that limit the sector’s growth. Yesterday’s Spring Budget addressed a number of these critical… Read More »The PEC’s response to the 2023 Spring Budget
Press Release: New Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre co-hosts announced
Newcastle University and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) have been announced as new hosts of the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC). Download the Press Release The… Read More »Press Release: New Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre co-hosts announced
Working Together – Cooperatives as a creative industry business model
This authors looks at how creative workers and students typically understand cooperatives, explore the skills and training people need to set up cooperatives, and discuss how public policy can support… Read More »Working Together – Cooperatives as a creative industry business model
Press release: Major review of job quality in the Creative Industries
Published today: 23rd February 2023 Download the Press Release The Creative Industries – from fashion and film to video games and visual arts – are a UK success story. The… Read More »Press release: Major review of job quality in the Creative Industries
The Good Work Review
The Good Work Review is the first examination of job quality across the entire creative industries. The Review is based on 40 separate indicators, from evidence submitted by 120 organisations,… Read More »The Good Work Review
Television production, international trade and pressures to consolidate
The UK television production sector is one of Britain’s leading creative export sectors. This briefing by Gillian Doyle discusses how ownership structures of TV production companies has a major impact… Read More »Television production, international trade and pressures to consolidate
Re-imagining Channel 4’s Future
Michelle Donelan, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, has formally announced that the government has cancelled its plans to privatise Channel 4 Corporation. In a significant reversal… Read More »Re-imagining Channel 4’s Future
A new deal for arts funding in England?
When thinking about why we publicly fund the arts, we can point to their multifaceted benefits. Not only do the arts contribute directly to the economy, but they can be… Read More »A new deal for arts funding in England?
Building sustainable regional music industry clusters
This report looks at the role the creative industries can play for the Levelling Up agenda, as well as the challenges the sector faces outside London and the greater South… Read More »Building sustainable regional music industry clusters
Too many demands are being placed on universities to support their regional economies, without sufficient support and partnership
The creative industries have long been heralded as a UK success story. The creative economy grew at twice the rate of the general UK economy during 2010-2016, resulting in the… Read More »Too many demands are being placed on universities to support their regional economies, without sufficient support and partnership
Can you own a pixel?
This blog is based on the discussion paper Crypto Art and Questions of Value, a guide for anyone interested in NFTs, blockchain, crypto art, and the impact of these new technologies… Read More »Can you own a pixel?
Understanding createch R&D
This report makes for a timely contribution for UK policymakers as they revisit growth priorities for the creative industries. Createch is a term that has been used broadly to characterise… Read More »Understanding createch R&D
Crypto art and questions of value
Crypto Art is a novel, emerging creative form that is entirely digital, and native to the internet. It is closely associated with, and dependent upon, other emerging technologies such as… Read More »Crypto art and questions of value
Work Advance & PEC oral evidence to House of Lords: Creative Futures 2022
The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee is undertaking an inquiry into the future of the UK’s creative industries – Creative Futures. The Committee has invited written and oral… Read More »Work Advance & PEC oral evidence to House of Lords: Creative Futures 2022
What the Autumn Budget means for the Creative Industries
With the UK almost certainly entering a recession – Q3 has seen negative GDP growth – and inflation driven mostly by energy prices and other supply bottle necks, difficult times… Read More »What the Autumn Budget means for the Creative Industries
Exploring societal challenges through library data
From film credits to library catalogues, the creative industries are constantly, passively generating rich textual data. Could this data be used to shed new light on societal challenges? At Nesta,… Read More »Exploring societal challenges through library data
Live music ecologies in the UK: A local perspective in the context of the pandemic
In 2019, the UK’s live music sector was valued at over £1.3 billion. After almost a decade of strong growth the sector helped push the UK music’s overall GVA from… Read More »Live music ecologies in the UK: A local perspective in the context of the pandemic
Trade in creative services: scale, trends, and geography
Creative services such as advertising, publishing, and design are an important part of global trade. Their rise has been partly due to technology, which has made it easier to trade… Read More »Trade in creative services: scale, trends, and geography
Creative industries and the climate emergency
Ahead of COP 27, this landmark new report brings together for the first time a sector by sector overview of the creative industries, and the huge amount of activity taking… Read More »Creative industries and the climate emergency
Press release: Landmark report on the Creative Industries and Climate Emergency heralded as a ‘call to action’
A sector by sector overview of activity taking place in the creative industries to achieve Net Zero Wednesday 19 October 2022 – Ahead of COP 27, a landmark new report… Read More »Press release: Landmark report on the Creative Industries and Climate Emergency heralded as a ‘call to action’
PEC Response to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee inquiry “A creative future”
This submission from the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre responds to the questions posed by the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee Call for Evidence ‘A Creative Future.’ Some… Read More »PEC Response to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee inquiry “A creative future”
PEC Submission to the DCMS consultation on ‘A change of ownership of Channel 4 Television Corporation’
This submission of written evidence was prepared in response to the ‘Consultation on a change of ownership of Channel 4 Television Corporation,’ Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (14… Read More »PEC Submission to the DCMS consultation on ‘A change of ownership of Channel 4 Television Corporation’
Press release: Poorest areas excluded from Manchester’s creative industries success story
Research shows poorest parts of Manchester have few firms & little/no employment in creative sector 29 September 2022 – Manchester has long been considered a creative industries success story. It… Read More »Press release: Poorest areas excluded from Manchester’s creative industries success story
How data analysis of colour can help courts make objective decisions about trademarks
The overall appearance of a product or service is called ‘trade dress’, according to trademark law. It is of huge significance to creative industry companies, particularly in terms of branding… Read More »How data analysis of colour can help courts make objective decisions about trademarks
The role of the university in enhancing creative clusters
Universities are important for driving growth in their local creative industries. At the same time, the creative industries is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, and in… Read More »The role of the university in enhancing creative clusters
Creative clusters and sparse spaces: Manchester’s creative industries and the geographies of deprivation and prosperity
The aim of this paper is to ‘take stock’ of the creative industries in Manchester and to explore their geographies through analysing official statistics on employment and workplaces; in terms… Read More »Creative clusters and sparse spaces: Manchester’s creative industries and the geographies of deprivation and prosperity
How a placed-based employment programme is bringing creative workers back to Northern Ireland
The Department for Communities (DfC) recently awarded £4.7 million to Future Screens NI (FSNI) to create 72 three-year posts in arts organisations in Northern Ireland as part of the Art Work scheme.… Read More »How a placed-based employment programme is bringing creative workers back to Northern Ireland
Three ways to support growth in the creative industries
Three ways to support growth in the creative industries The Creative Industries are an economic powerhouse, delivering £115.9bn GVA, accounting for 2.2 million jobs, and exporting more than £50bn per year at the last count. Around… Read More »Three ways to support growth in the creative industries
Policy briefing: Creative industries innovation in seaside resorts and country towns
This policy brief is based on a PEC Discussion Paper: Creative Industries Innovation in Seaside Resorts and Country Towns Pre-pandemic, research suggested that being located in intensive, largely urban clusters… Read More »Policy briefing: Creative industries innovation in seaside resorts and country towns
Creative industries innovation in seaside resorts and country towns
Read our four page policy brief for key recommendations based on this research: Insights for Policymakers: Creative Industries Innovation in Seaside Resorts and Country Towns ______________________________________________ The creative industries in… Read More »Creative industries innovation in seaside resorts and country towns
Press release: What happens to coastal towns when the holiday-makers leave?
Could investment in the Creative Industries be key to year-round, economic development? Could investment in the Creative Industries be key to year-round, economic development? 1 September 2022 – As August… Read More »Press release: What happens to coastal towns when the holiday-makers leave?
The nature of foreign direct investment in the creative industries
For the host country receiving the investment, there is a wealth of evidence that FDI can increase productivity and employment and lead to broader development benefits. However, there are also… Read More »The nature of foreign direct investment in the creative industries
What distinguishes creative industry exporters? And does engaging in innovation, R&D and design matter?
Post-Brexit, the UK government is keen to accelerate UK exporting, including in creative goods and services. To best support and expand exporting, it is vital to better understand the characteristics… Read More »What distinguishes creative industry exporters? And does engaging in innovation, R&D and design matter?
New research suggests regulation could actually enhance user-creativity on the platform giants
Video-sharing platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, and TikTok provide a free space for everyone to share their content. They claim they have developed an ideal place for user creativity because… Read More »New research suggests regulation could actually enhance user-creativity on the platform giants
Further reading and references about levelling up and the Creative Industries
First study from the PEC uses 35 million UK job adverts to look at creativity & the future workforce This page is a combination of the PEC’s published research, and… Read More »Further reading and references about levelling up and the Creative Industries
How to use up the Levelling Up Resources
The welcome page for our Levelling Up resources for local authorities This collection of resources is designed for those working in Local Authorities (LAs) who are considering investing in their… Read More »How to use up the Levelling Up Resources
Levelling Up and the Creative Industries: Resources for Local Authorities
Data and evidence to help local authorities understand levelling up and the creative industries These resources are designed for those working in Local Authorities (LAs ) who are considering investing… Read More »Levelling Up and the Creative Industries: Resources for Local Authorities
Eight things to know about the Creative Industries
What are the Creative Industries? The Creative Industries are a diverse and complex sector made up of a variety of sub-sectors, from performing arts to computer games, and graphic design… Read More »Eight things to know about the Creative Industries
How to find out more about your local Creative Industries
How those bidding for levelling up funds can find out more about their local Creative Industries Although there are useful national and regional statistics publicly available to those bidding for… Read More »How to find out more about your local Creative Industries
Creative Clusters Case Studies
Creative Clusters – Case Studies The creative clusters in these case studies share some common factors that can lead to success. For example, the role performed by ‘anchor institutions’ (often… Read More »Creative Clusters Case Studies
How Research and Innovation can help level-up the Creative Industries
The Levelling-Up White Paper produced by the Department for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities notes that ideas and innovation are key drivers for rebalancing the economy. Since 2018, UKRI’s £56.8m Creative Industries Clusters Programme (CICP) has… Read More »How Research and Innovation can help level-up the Creative Industries
Class inequality in the Creative Industries is rooted in unequal access to arts and cultural education
There is an incoherence at the heart of government policy. While Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries is calling for more social diversity in the arts, the Department for Education is pursuing… Read More »Class inequality in the Creative Industries is rooted in unequal access to arts and cultural education
Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on the arts and cultural sector: British newspaper reporting of the Culture Recovery Fund
Newspapers covered many of the impacts of COVID-19, from the psychological strain of lockdown isolation to the damage on the economy from closed borders and disrupted supply chains. This discussion… Read More »Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on the arts and cultural sector: British newspaper reporting of the Culture Recovery Fund
How can policy makers help rural creative businesses contribute to Levelling Up?
The creative industries have the potential to play a major role in the development of rural communities and businesses. Our new research, funded by NICRE and the AHRC Creative Industries Policy and Evidence… Read More »How can policy makers help rural creative businesses contribute to Levelling Up?
Mapping and examining the determinants of England’s rural creative microclusters
More targeted support could unleash the potential of Rural Creative Enterprises It is well documented that creative industries are clustered in urban areas. This leads to a possible policy bias… Read More »Mapping and examining the determinants of England’s rural creative microclusters
Call for Expressions of Interest: Hosting the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre
The PEC are looking for a new host after AHRC announced their intention to continue funding our work We are delighted to announce that Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC),… Read More »Call for Expressions of Interest: Hosting the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre
Response to the DCMS Committee ‘Cultural Placemaking and the Levelling Up Agenda’
This submission from the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre aims to answer the questions posed by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (DCMS Committee), specifically: Read the DCMS committee… Read More »Response to the DCMS Committee ‘Cultural Placemaking and the Levelling Up Agenda’
Channel 4: Streaming on the world stage? Competing in the Changing Media Landscape
On April 28th, ‘The Government’s Vision for the Broadcasting Sector’ (CP 671) was published. The White Paper comes in the wake of consultations and inquiries that focused on the Future of… Read More »Channel 4: Streaming on the world stage? Competing in the Changing Media Landscape
Envisioning Broadcasting Anew: the future of UK broadcasting policy
Last week the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) released its long-awaited White Paper on the future of UK broadcasting policy. Proposing major reforms and legislative changes to the… Read More »Envisioning Broadcasting Anew: the future of UK broadcasting policy
Supporting the Creative Industries: The impact of the ‘Preston Model’ in Lancashire
The economic geography of the UK is highly uneven, with many of the largest clusters concentrating in the greater South East of England and some large metropolitan areas in the… Read More »Supporting the Creative Industries: The impact of the ‘Preston Model’ in Lancashire
Privatising Channel 4: The evidence behind the debate
On April 4th the government confirmed its plans to privatise Channel 4, the UK’s publicly owned not-for-profit public service broadcaster (PSB). Announcing the decision via Twitter, the Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said selling… Read More »Privatising Channel 4: The evidence behind the debate
Culture in quarantine? Cultural institutions’ uses of Twitter during lockdown
Cultural institutions, such as museums and galleries, are important for local communities. They are places that preserve and promote cultural heritage, and can be sources of familiarity, inspiration and pride. … Read More »Culture in quarantine? Cultural institutions’ uses of Twitter during lockdown
PEC Response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s proposed study ‘Music and streaming market’
This submission responds to the consultation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as part of its proposed market study on the ‘music and streaming market’. Three key areas… Read More »PEC Response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s proposed study ‘Music and streaming market’
Take part in the PEC’s Good Work Review
A call for evidence about the quality of work in the creative sector Call for Evidence Deadline for responses: 5pm Friday 29 April 2022 Download the Call for Evidence form… Read More »Take part in the PEC’s Good Work Review
Press release: New independent review marks vital opportunity to improve working conditions in the Creative Industries
PEC launches six-week Call for Evidence for submissions on job quality and working practices Monday 21 March 2022 – The Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) has today launched a… Read More »Press release: New independent review marks vital opportunity to improve working conditions in the Creative Industries
PEC’s Submission to the DCMS Committee inquiry Promoting Britain Abroad
This submission – made from the PEC to the DCMS Committee in January 2022 – addresses the role that the UK’s creative industries play (and could play) in building the… Read More »PEC’s Submission to the DCMS Committee inquiry Promoting Britain Abroad
Differences in creativity across Art and STEM: We are more alike than unalike
There is a rapidly growing body of international evidence(1) that skills such as creative problem solving and the ability to develop novel solutions, will be amongst those in greatest demands in… Read More »Differences in creativity across Art and STEM: We are more alike than unalike
How our Industry Champions helped define our policy priorities for 2022
The creative industries is a wide and evolving sector. As such, when developing policy recommendations, the PEC has to navigate opinions, realities and shifting terrain. Of course, being an evidence… Read More »How our Industry Champions helped define our policy priorities for 2022
The relationships between cultural organisations and local creative industries in the context of a cultural district
This Discussion Paper was commissioned by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) and delivered by AEA Consulting (AEA) in partnership with Professor Geoffrey Crossick. It explores the relationships… Read More »The relationships between cultural organisations and local creative industries in the context of a cultural district
PEC’s Submission to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Select Committee inquiry into the future of Channel 4
This submission is co-authored by Dr Tom Chivers and Professor Stuart Allan on behalf of the ‘Arts, Culture and Public Service Broadcasting’ workstrand at Cardiff University, as part of the… Read More »PEC’s Submission to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Select Committee inquiry into the future of Channel 4
Key Facts About R&D in the Creative Industries
R&D plays a key role in the innovation processes of many businesses, and is also a driver of economic growth at the local, regional and national level. For this reason,… Read More »Key Facts About R&D in the Creative Industries
Policy Briefing: R&D in the Creative Industries
The creative industries are one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK economy. One in eight UK businesses are part of the creative industries, and together they contributed almost… Read More »Policy Briefing: R&D in the Creative Industries
The art of R&D
The government has committed to increasing the amount of public money spent on research and development (R&D). Historically, R&D funding has gone towards economic sectors such as science, health and… Read More »The art of R&D
Agile innovation funding is the solution for the UK Creative Industries
In 2020, during the height of the first Covid wave, Innovate UK ran a multi-million pound funding competition, supported by the Treasury, to support business-led innovation projects to respond to… Read More »Agile innovation funding is the solution for the UK Creative Industries
A new age for the creative industries…and the UK
Back in October last year, Peter Bazalgette, Chair of ITV, made an inspiring speech where he argued that “the Creative Industries has now come of age.” Seen as a fledgling… Read More »A new age for the creative industries…and the UK
Press Release: R&D should be at the heart of government thinking on the Creative Industries
New Policy Briefing, Research and Industry Insight from the PEC The government has rightly placed boosting R&D at the heart of its growth strategy for the UK and for levelling… Read More »Press Release: R&D should be at the heart of government thinking on the Creative Industries
Starving the golden goose? Access to finance for innovators in the creative industries
Please note: this paper has been accepted in Journal of Cultural Economics, DOI: 10.1007/s10824-022-09448-5 This problem can make it hard for creative industries firms to secure funding and investment into Research… Read More »Starving the golden goose? Access to finance for innovators in the creative industries
Spotlight on Creative R&D: a week of research and policy
A week of research, briefs and blogs into how we can make R&D work for the Creative Industries There is a reason the creative industries are growing so fast –… Read More »Spotlight on Creative R&D: a week of research and policy
Creative R&D: where are we now?
It’s five years since Nesta first identified “Creative R&D” as a distinct and distinctive form of innovation happening inside the UK Creative Industries. Released whilst a new wave of public investments like UKRI’s… Read More »Creative R&D: where are we now?
How lessons from UKRI’s Creative Industries Challenge Programmes should transform the way we invest in R&D
After 20 years of evidence gathering, the economic importance of the Creative Industries is widely recognised. Before the pandemic, the sector contributed over £115 billion to the country’s economy –… Read More »How lessons from UKRI’s Creative Industries Challenge Programmes should transform the way we invest in R&D
Creative education is vital to a post Covid-19 recovery
Press release: New research involving over 7,000 secondary school teachers finds creative subject teachers lead the way in preparing students for employment, and that a creative education supports well-being Research… Read More »Creative education is vital to a post Covid-19 recovery
Enhancing creative education
Creative education, which covers a wide array of subjects, from art and design, to media, dance and music, plays a crucial role in preparing the next generation of innovative workers.… Read More »Enhancing creative education
Press release: A new study asks ‘What is the Public Value of Public Service Broadcasting?’
A vital contribution to the debate about the future of UK broadcasting 13th January 2022 – New research published today makes a timely and vital contribution to the debate about the… Read More »Press release: A new study asks ‘What is the Public Value of Public Service Broadcasting?’
What is the public value of public service broadcasting?
This question has long been a subject of lively debate, bringing together the competing priorities of policymakers, stakeholders and members of the public. Recent changes in media technologies, audience habits… Read More »What is the public value of public service broadcasting?
How to support the creative industries around the world
‘We need a change in mindset’ On 7 December 2021 the PEC’s International Council launched a Global Agenda for the Cultural and Creative Industries, together with the British Council at the World Conference on… Read More »How to support the creative industries around the world
What value Higher Education?
Education is an investment, and not just in a narrow financial sense. It is often life changing, and certainly has been for my family. It opens the door to the… Read More »What value Higher Education?
A global agenda from the Global Creative Economy Council
The GCEC’s contribution to the United Nations 2021 International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development.
PEC announces the launch of six new commissioned research projects
The research will cover everything from fashion and music, to migration and seaside towns The PEC’s open calls for commissioned research are a fantastic opportunity to develop cutting edge ideas… Read More »PEC announces the launch of six new commissioned research projects
The birth of neo-regulation. Where next for the UK’s approach to platform regulation?
A new era of tech regulation is about to begin. However, planned legislation is leading to a tension between two diverging principles in regulating online contents and platforms: preventing online… Read More »The birth of neo-regulation. Where next for the UK’s approach to platform regulation?
Wired! How 24/7 culture can put pressure on social media employees in the creative industries
What can professional networks, industry, funders and policy-makers do to ensure that digital workers are better supported? The pandemic led to huge pressure on creative industry employees who have responsibility… Read More »Wired! How 24/7 culture can put pressure on social media employees in the creative industries
Pivot to digital: How museums and galleries responded to COVID-19
As the UK went into full lockdown in March 2020, museums and galleries were faced with the prospect of having no visitors and limited audiences for the foreseeable future. As… Read More »Pivot to digital: How museums and galleries responded to COVID-19
Placemaking, Culture and Covid
In September 2021, we consulted a Panel of our Industry Champions on their experiences of the development and sustainability of ‘Creative Places’, and how policy can support this. This Panel was commissioned… Read More »Placemaking, Culture and Covid
Creative firms and trade
The implications for policymakers emerging from this work are explored in our Policy Briefing: The Creative Industries in the UK’s Export Strategy. The evidence base on the international trade in the… Read More »Creative firms and trade
The Creative Industries in the UK’s Export Strategy
This brief is based upon the findings of our latest research into the features and barriers facing the UK’s creative industries exports, part of a discussion paper by PEC researchers from… Read More »The Creative Industries in the UK’s Export Strategy
A review of creative trade in the economics literature
This paper summarises the key research and models for creative trade. Starting with a general overview of how creative goods and services have been defined in the literature, it then… Read More »A review of creative trade in the economics literature
The UK’s international creative trade: A review of the official data sources
There is a growing recognition among policy makers and governments around the world of the importance of the creative industries. As these sectors continue to grow, it is increasingly important… Read More »The UK’s international creative trade: A review of the official data sources
PEC’s comment on the 2021 Spending Review and Autumn Budget
The UK’s creative industries – from film to fashion, and from video games to the performing arts – are integral to local communities throughout the country. This is in part because… Read More »PEC’s comment on the 2021 Spending Review and Autumn Budget
A new partnership between the PEC and Julie’s Bicycle
Julie’s Bicycle is a pioneering charity that uses arts and culture to take action on climate change. They help other organisations work in a sustainable way, leading on creative policy… Read More »A new partnership between the PEC and Julie’s Bicycle