Creative Economy Research

The United Kingdom's (UK) Creative Economy, which embraces the creative industries and the cultural sector, is a dynamic and vital part of the UK’s economy. It accounts for more than 5% of UK Gross Value Added (higher than Financial Services, Advanced Manufacturing and Construction), nearly 10% of the economy, and is estimated to be growing at a higher rate than any other sector.

The sector ranges from major corporations to small and micro enterprises. It is increasingly clear, however that the arts and humanities are a vital element of the Creative Economy, bringing further creativity, insight and knowledge to a sector as rich and varied as it is successful and innovative.

The AHRC supports research and knowledge exchange in the creative economy, including:

• Knowledge Exchange Hubs for the Creative Economy
• Centre for Copyright and New Business Models in the Creative Economy (CREATe)
• Creative Economy Knowledge Exchange projects
• Brighton Fuse
• Digital Research and Development Fund for the Arts
• Video Games Research Networks

We have made a short film about the AHRC Creative Economy Showcase in March 2014. The purpose of the event was to raise the profile of the UK’s creative and cultural sector and highlight its contribution to growth and innovation within the UK economy. The event brought the key players together to discuss the overarching challenges and future priorities.