Search Results (204)

This study intends to provide insights and challenges for the shape of the B movement, an emerging paradigm that fosters cross-sectoral partnerships and encourages ethical business practices through so-called purpose-driven businesses. Focusing on Italy, the first European country to adopt this managerial model, the research investigates Italian Benefit Corporations, known as Società Benefit (SB), and their most appealing sustainability claims from a consumer perspective. The analysis intends to inform theory development by assuming the cultural and creative industry (CCI) as a field of interest, utilizing a within-subjects experimental design to analyze data from a diverse consumer sample across various contexts. The results indicate that messaging centered on economic sustainability emerged as the most effective in generating positive consumer responses, highlighting a prevailing inclination toward pragmatic factors such as affordability, economic accessibility, and tangible benefits rather than social issues. While sustainable behaviors are not yet widespread, latent ethical sensitivity for authentic, value-driven businesses suggests that economic and ethical dimensions can be strategically synthesized to enhance consumer engagement. This insight highlights the role of BCs in catalyzing a shift in consumption patterns within ethical-based and creative-driven sectors. Full article

The creative city concept has gained global recognition, notably through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). In Japan, facing declining birth rates and economic stagnation, this framework was seen as a revitalization tool to increase the urban quality. Yet, while the creative city concept clearly appears on the theoretical level, its operationalization usually remains unclear. Additionally, previous research considers sustainability questions through economic, social, and cultural lenses but more rarely through environmental aspects. Thus, this paper aims to explore the implementation of the creative city in Japan, unveil the specific elements composing the policies of UNESCO Creative Cities, and question how environmental sustainability is addressed in these policies. The research method includes a qualitative analysis of the membership monitoring reports (MMRs) submitted by cities to UNESCO. Conducting a field survey in a creative facility and a hearing survey with the city government, the research also focuses on Kanazawa as a case study to explore in greater depth the interaction between creative city strategies and environmental sustainability. Among the research findings, economic perspectives—through support for creative industries and the promotion of tourism—and systematic actions targeting children dominate the MMRs, while socio-environmental aspects receive less attention. Most ambitious initiatives toward environmental sustainability were implemented in rural cities. In Kanazawa, it appears the creative city policy is independent of the local environmental policies, although some opportunities exist to connect them. The field survey indeed reveals that some spontaneous initiatives toward environmental sustainability might emanate from a creative facility. Therefore, the paper provides significance in unveiling the specific content of creative city policies in Japan and in re-examining the notion of creativity to integrate environmental sustainability into the creative city agenda. Full article

Enterprise digital transformation has emerged as a key strategy for enhancing innovation capacity in the age of the digital economy. This article aims to analyze the influence mechanism of digital transformation on corporate innovation and evaluate the mediating function of corporate innovation and cooperative cultures between digital transformation and corporate innovation capability. This work builds a panel data model based on data from Chinese A-share listed businesses from 2012 to 2021, empirically analyzes it using the Tobit model and the fixed effects model with instrumental variables technique, and uses the mediation effect test to uncover the course of action. According to the report, digital transformation significantly enhances creativity capability; second, corporate collaborative and innovation cultures mediate the relationship between digital transformation and innovation outcomes, and cultural capital becomes a crucial link; and third, the influence of digital transformation on corporate innovation capability is greater in state-owned enterprises, non-monopoly industries, and high-tech industries. According to the study, businesses should work to realize the dual-wheel drive of “technological investment + cultural cultivation” and establish an open and collaborative innovation ecosystem, while the government should intensify the development of digital infrastructure, enhance the supporting system, encourage cultural construction and talent supply, and create an environment that supports the synergistic development of digitization and innovation. Full article

The digital creative industry (DCI) has become an integral part of China’s strategic emerging industries. This paper, utilizing county-level data from Chinese digital creative enterprises in 2022, examines the locational factors influencing the spatial distribution of China’s DCI through Principal Component Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. The findings indicate that technological innovation and the level of economic development universally and dominantly influence the agglomeration of all DCI sub-sectors. Service-oriented digital creative enterprises are more likely to cluster in areas with abundant cultural resources and public facilities, with government policies and financial subsidies playing a significant role. In contrast, digital creative equipment manufacturing companies are more likely to locate in proximity to market demand and related industries. Full article

Over the past two decades, transitional justice has become a central concern in Taiwan’s cultural and political landscape. This study investigates how 1029 visitors from Taiwan, Sinophone regions (China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia), and international backgrounds engage with digital interpretation systems at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (CKSMH)—a politically sensitive site associated with Taiwan’s authoritarian past. Using a mixed-methods approach combining surveys and qualitative responses, the study analyzes cross-cultural differences in visitor motivation, use of digital tools, perceived experiential value, satisfaction, and behavioral intention. Results show that international visitors reported higher levels of engagement and satisfaction, particularly in educational, esthetic, entertainment, and escapist dimensions. In contrast, Sinophone visitors expressed lower satisfaction and more frequent discomfort with the site’s historical narrative. Key factors such as language accessibility, cultural proximity, and usability influenced how visitors perceived the digital content. The findings suggest that interactive digital tools can support both cultural engagement and critical reflection while also revealing tensions in memory politics at sites of transitional justice. Full article

Cultural tourism can act as a driver for inner area development, bringing about a range of socio-economic benefits through economic stimulation, quality of life improvement, and cultural heritage preservation. Inner territories, set apart by geographic marginality and low population density, hold a rich cultural and environmental heritage that, however, remains off the radar and left behind. Guided by the principles of endogenous local development, this article seeks to contribute to the existing body of research by proposing potential strategies for local growth rooted in cultural tourism. From this perspective, we identified the Basilicata region (Southern Italy) as a proper test area. The region is rich in archaeological, monumental and museum evidence, but is characterized, except in a few areas, by a low rate of tourist turnout. Through a replicable, comprehensive, and flexible methodology—drawing on bibliographic research, analysis of archaeological, archival, erudite and antiquarian sources, and carrying out field surveys—the different points of interest in the region have been brought together under specific cultural themes. Results include the design of three detailed routes (Via Herculia, Frederick II’s, and St Michael’s cultural routes) useful for three different types of tourism (sustainable, emotional, and accessible). Possible scenarios for valorization and fruition are also proposed, paying particular attention to digital technologies. Thus, this research aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 and 11 promoting cultural heritage valorization and preservation, shoring up economic revitalization, stepping up community engagement, and pushing forward environmentally friendly tourism practices. Research findings can attract the interest of a wide range of stakeholders such as tourism professionals, local authorities, cultural and creative industries, local communities and entrepreneurs, as well as academics and researchers. The methodological approach can be considered for the valorization and tourist enjoyment of inner areas in other countries, with particular focus on those falling within the Mediterranean region which is rich in cultural heritage, environmental value, and socio-economic potential. Full article

World Heritage plays a vital role in promoting sustainable urban development. Cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have gained recognition as an effective instrument for urban revitalization in recent years. The Cities, Culture, and Creativity (CCC) framework introduced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Bank emphasizes the core role of culture and creativity in enhancing urban competitiveness, attractiveness, and sustainability. Based on that framework, this study takes Pingyao as a case study, using a literature review and non-participatory observation, systematically examines its assets and resources, assesses the outcomes at the spatial, economic, and social levels, and explores how CCIs, with the support of enabling factors, contribute to urban revitalization. The findings indicate that Pingyao, relying on its historical and cultural heritage, promotes the development of CCIs, resulting in significant spatial optimization, economic growth, and social benefits, while also shaping unique cultural brands. This study verifies the applicability of the CCC framework in analyzing the urban revitalization mechanism, further reveals the role of CCIs in the revitalization of World Heritage cities, enriches the urban regeneration theory, and offers theoretical and practical reference for the revitalization and sustainable development of other World Heritage cities. Full article

With rapid urbanization, enhancing the quality of public spaces is critical to residents’ well-being and sustainable urban development. However, user perceptions of these spaces remain insufficiently quantified. This study introduces a perception-based evaluation framework encompassing four dimensions: service, spatial, cultural, and aesthetic. A three-dimensional importance-performance analysis (3-D IPA) model is applied to assess two multifunctional public spaces in Wuhan—the Citizens’ Home (CH) and the Creative World Industrial Park (CWIP)—with the aim of identifying user-prioritized attributes that inform sustainable design interventions. The findings reveal the following: (1) At CH, spatial perception (importance = 3.93; performance = 4.02) received the highest ratings, particularly for openness and ecological pavement, highlighting areas for green infrastructure improvement. (2) At CWIP, cultural perception (importance = 3.75; performance = 3.73) dominated, with a need to enhance the signage systems and cultural integration for greater place identity. (3) Optimization priorities included energy-efficient lighting, entrance enhancements, and recreational layout improvements at CH, and thematic diversity and wayfinding systems at CWIP. (4) The 3-D IPA framework effectively identifies user-perceived priorities and supports experience-driven, resource-conscious spatial improvements. This study provides a user-centered, data-informed approach for evaluating and optimizing urban public spaces, offering practical strategies to align spatial quality with long-term sustainability goals. Full article

A global survey was conducted in 2022 with the aim of identifying what professionals in the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) expect from collection-based organisations (CBOs) and what their contribution to their preservation, management, and/or use could be. A total of 151 responses were obtained from the five UNESCO regions, the majority of whom were between 31 and 50 years of age, which is convenient when analysing the responses as they are active and belong to different creative sectors. The results are very positive, demonstrating that museum collections are didactic materials through which design students and CCI stakeholders learn to approach the past critically and creatively, create meaning, and co-create their future heritage. Likewise, the alliance of CBOs with the SDGs represents a key tool to experiment with and call for action to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda. The results enable CCIs to identify and bridge gaps in their role as creative developers, strengthening their collaboration with heritage organisations. This paper aims to show the results of the survey and the first actions aimed at developing meaningful, inclusive arts- and culture-based interventions to support sustainable development. Full article

The cultural and creative industries have garnered widespread attention as an important vehicle for promoting the transformation and upgrading of urban industrial structures. In this investigation, we take Harbin—a city in China with a strong industrial legacy—as a case study. Through kernel density analysis and the DBSCAN clustering algorithm, we identify and analyze the spatial distribution and spatiotemporal evolution patterns of 157 clusters of cultural and creative industries in Harbin. We construct a Geographic Weighted Regression (GWR) model using 20 indicators from three categories (i.e., social, cultural, and economic) to analyze the factors impacting the agglomeration of cultural and creative industries in Harbin. Our findings reveal that the cultural and creative industries exhibit an agglomeration pattern. A large-scale agglomeration area for large enterprises has formed in the city center, while scattered, small-scale agglomeration zones for emerging small enterprises have formed in newly developed areas on the urban periphery. The GWR analysis indicates that economic factors have the most significant impact on the agglomeration of cultural and creative industries; however, night-time economic facilities show a negative correlation. Among social factors, the convenience of public transportation and new energy transportation infrastructure have a significant impact on industrial agglomeration. Regarding cultural factors, cultural and sports facilities have the greatest influence, while public information kiosks and public arts education facilities exhibit spatial variability. These findings provide a scientific basis for policy formulation and contribute to promoting the healthy development of cultural and creative industries. Full article

The intersection of serious games, advanced technologies, and culture offers new paths for fostering social inclusion and sustainability. This position paper presents i-Game, an EU project dedicated to transforming the relationship between cultural heritage and the gaming industry. By creating an open-source platform for inclusive game development, i-Game integrates tools such as Explainable AI (XAI) and virtual reality to enable diverse stakeholders—including underrepresented groups—to co-create games that address societal and cultural challenges. Through pilot projects in museums and the textile industry, i-Game explores the potential of gamification to enhance learning, creativity, and collaboration while advancing sustainable practices. The project highlights how interdisciplinary methodologies and ethical-design principles can reshape the cultural heritage landscape, democratizing access to innovative tools and fostering a deeper connection between technology and heritage. Full article

This study investigates the application of network audio technology in performing arts and media art collaborations within virtual environments, analyzing its impact through four case studies. Employing a practice-based research methodology through using a variety of open-source software and communication protocols, it examines the cultural and social dynamics, creative workflows, and technical frameworks of ensembles leveraging network audio technology for remote recording and virtual production. These projects, recognized internationally within the electroacoustic music community, underscore the potential of network audio to transform virtual music performance, industry practices, and education. The research addresses challenges in internet-based production, particularly in real-time multichannel audio recording, mixing, and production with limited home setups. Insights into managing multiple audio networks effectively and capturing distinct tracks across virtual spaces are presented, offering both creative and technical strategies for virtual music performance and production in emerging digital environments. Full article

This study explores the adoption of AI in the UAE’s creative industries through interviews with nine professionals, primarily Emiratis, from journalism, filmmaking, content creation, and heritage sectors. Their insights shed light on the intricate relationship between technological progress, job stability, and the preservation of cultural integrity. One of the key observations was the dual nature of AI’s impact: while it undeniably enhances operational efficiency and reduces expenses, there are valid concerns regarding the authenticity and quality of AI-generated content and its potential impact on the development and utilization of professional skills within these industries. Despite the UAE government’s strategic initiatives to promote AI adoption, the findings revealed a notable absence of clear guidelines, placing the onus on individuals to proactively navigate the landscape of AI integration. This research challenges the prevailing narratives that often depict the Global South as passive consumers of technology as it highlights the participants’ acute awareness of the inherent biases present in AI technologies, particularly in the representation of their local culture. Full article

While leadership influence has been linked to organizational performance, the mechanism through which leadership development can foster sustainable innovation in SMEs with distinctive cultural contexts, including individualism/collectivism, is still not well understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role that democratic leadership plays in increasing employee innovative behavior (EIB) when organizations are working in situations that are characterized by high levels of hierarchical and collectivist cultures. This study fills a gap in the literature by investigating the ways in which leadership influences innovation in small- and medium-sized textile enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan, including psychological safety and creative potential. This study discloses that participative leadership practices effectively drive sustained innovation especially in countries that embrace hierarchy and collectivism. The participants in this study comprised 389 employees from the textile industry, who completed validated self-report surveys of democratic leadership, psychological safety, creative potential, and EIB. This study used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the direct and indirect effects of the variables using Smart PLS 4.1.0.8 software. The findings reveal that democratic leadership positively and significantly impacts EIB. Psychological safety mediates this relationship by creating a supportive environment for idea sharing, while creative potential acts as a stronger mediator, enabling employees to generate and implement novel ideas. These results highlight the critical role of democratic leadership in driving innovation through safe and creative organizational climates. This study extends leadership and innovation research by demonstrating the mechanisms through which democratic leadership fosters EIB. This study contributes to the understanding of leadership effectiveness in non-Western hierarchical cultures, providing actionable insights for managers and policymakers to promote sustainable innovation in SMEs. Full article

In the adaptive re-use of buildings, the physicality of buildings—the way they are designed, planned, constructed and maintained—has fallen out of fashion in favour of socio-economic conceptualisations and critical urban interpretations of the redevelopment process. However, the materiality of buildings plays a key part in how locations are re-produced in response to socio-economic circumstances—in this case, the creation and sustaining of cultural and creative clusters. In response, this paper adopts a forensic approach to the characteristics of physical buildings in order to develop an original taxonomy of lo-fi adaptive features and interventions that enable the authors to infer which types and aspects of industrial buildings lend themselves to sustaining cultural and creative clusters. The focus on lo-fi interventions is an original contribution to the adaptive re-use literature where attention tends to focus on more formal and traditional design-based interactions with existing buildings. In doing so, the research utilises a comparative case study approach of several former industrial buildings associated with the contemporary independent food and drink industry in the Ouseburn Valley cultural and creative quarter of Newcastle upon-Tyne in England. The research finds that it is the functional tolerance and malleability of the case study buildings—their inherent adaptive capacity, that in part helps to sustain the cultural and creative cluster in this location. Full article