Creative industries have been systematically developed in central Finland since 2004. The first goal was to bring out professionals in the industry and create an established framework for the industry to define itself.
We knew that there were creative specialists in this region but they were hiding. Now, creative operators are beginning to see themselves as part of an industry, says Raija Partanen, Project Manager for the Creative Forum.
The Creative Forum has increased the visibility, communication and networking related to creative skills in central Finland.
Researchers consider creative industries to be among the fastest growing industries in the world. Gradually, the potential of these industries is beginning to show in concrete figures. According to a survey conducted for the European Commission, European creative industries generated net sales of over EUR 654 billion in 2003 and accounted for 2.6 per cent of GNP in the EU.
There are approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people working in creative industries in central Finland, and hundreds of various operators, including dozens of companies, have been involved in the development of the industry.
Examples of practical efforts to develop creative entrepreneurship in central Finland include targeted ser¬vices for entrepreneurs, people considering becoming entrepreneurs or those in need of support for their business. The growth of existing businesses has been supported by means of consulting, tailored training and networking, among other things.
In addition to profitable business, the development work has focused on ensuring contacts between the business world and public and third-sector organisations, local training organisations and development companies. According to Partanen, channelling the great potential of the crea¬tive industries into profitable, even international, business is a key future challenge. Businesses should find their customer segments around the world and we must support them in this task.
In order for business to grow, traditional boundaries must be crossed and deep-rooted mindsets changed. New innovations have been implemented, for example, by mixing culture with tourism and design with new technology.
Just think of all the things we could achieve with creative special¬ists working in close co-operation with technology specialists! Partanen enthuses.
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Photo: There are approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people working in creative industries in central Finland. Graphic artist Kirsi Neuvonen has been working in the creative branch since the beginning of the 1980s.
By Tommi Salo Photos by Petteri Kivimäki