Artur Ochojski
Drafting a comprehensive book on Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) for regional scientists poses a formidable challenge. This challenge is brought by a series of factors, including the expansive scope of the subject matter, definitional ambiguities, impediments in procuring precise data, and historically set narrative that tends to rather favour a sectoral portrayal of CCIs. For Roberto Dellisanti, however, these challenges metamorphose into opportunities, providing a platform to pursue novelties and ensuring that the reader is enthusiastic to learn the results. The appeal of the book, in my view, extends beyond its didactic merit elucidating the significance of creativity in CCIs. Dellisanti, with finesse, situates the narrative within the framework of urban and regional economics, skilfully adding layers of depth to always catch the reader’s engagement. Praise for the book and its author is warranted by the meticulous way the reader is ushered through three pivotal scenes. Primarily, an elucidation unfolds regarding the intrinsic heterogeneity characterising Cultural and Creative Industries and the consequential outcomes thereof. Subsequently, a crucial dimension of territory is introduced, accorded equal significance to the sectoral dimension. Lastly, a compendium of normative guidelines is proffered, underpinned by Dellisanti’s diligently conducted multidimensional research.
Creativity – Keys to debate the CCIs
The initial segment of the book adeptly delves into the intricacies of CCIs, unravelling various facets of creativity’s micro-economic foundations. Right from the outset, the narrative places creativity at the core of the discussion, portraying it as the catalyst for value creation. Creative production, spanning both sectors and their value chains, gives rise to unique filières. It is true, there is a difference in how firms and sectors interact. However, the examination of CCIs extends beyond the sectoral approach, delving into the significant role of territory. Dellisanti’s integration of both sectoral and territorial approaches enables a more comprehensive explanation of various forms of creativity and sheds light on the distinctive characteristics of locations influencing the behavioural patterns of CCIs. As he writes “…it is no longer important to distinguish creative places and creative industries [because], they are merged in a unique concept: places where CCIs are on the edge of creativity” (p. 133).
Unveiling the heterogenity of CCIs – Creating new avenues for research
Navigating the realm of CCIs proves undeniably challenging, akin to many economic terms and concepts. This complexity primarily stems from the inherently diverse nature of CCIs, a subject extensively discussed by Dellisanti. Heterogeneity emerges as the cornerstone of his discourse, serving as a pivotal force driving the quest for a novel definition of this research phenomenon. Throughout the book, Dellisanti scrutinises the Inventive and Replicative nature of CCIs, with particular emphasis on the various forms of creativity within the Macrosector. The empirical analysis hinges on a unique perspective facilitated by the introduced definition and the creation of an exclusive pan-European database on CCIs. For Dellisanti, CCIs’ creativity “represents the engine through which such industries are able to generate novelties, whose economic value reflects the intellectual contribution to creativity. The genesis of creativity is the result of a local process, fed by the territorial socio-cultural conditions” (p. 55). By highlighting diverse forms of innovation and local roots, Dellisanti consistently urges recognition of the often-overlooked nature of CCIs. Acknowledging certain limitations, Dellisanti’s database remains original and unparalleled, providing an indispensable tool for the empirical exploration of CCIs and their location patterns.
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Source: Science Direct
