ABSTRACT
Creative and cultural industries are portrayed as key sectors in the emerging knowledge-driven economy and they are ascribed to play an increasingly important role in regional development and prosperity (Power and Nielsén 2010; UNCTAD 2010). Creative industries comprise very different subsectors such as new media, design, publishing, visual arts, cultural sites, performing arts, etc. They invent, produce and distribute goods and services that rely heavily on creativity and intellectual capital as primary inputs (UNCTAD 2010). Drawing on a symbolic knowledge base (Asheim and Gertler 2005), these industries exhibit strong innovation potentials and a high level of entrepreneurship (see, for instance, OECD 2005, 2007). They usually employ highly qualified and skilled labour, and often attract further talent to the respective locations (Florida 2005; Costa 2008). As a consequence, creative and cultural sectors are on the top of the policy agenda in many countries and regions (Power and Scott 2011).
