ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out a systems-based approach to the creative industries. We argue that, like innovation ecosystems, creative systems are comprised of a subset of larger complex systems which can be seen in the scalability of local, regional and global creative industries. These ideas can be elucidated by looking specifically at the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. This region is spread across eleven local government areas (LGAs), which can be divided into the principal urban areas, based around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, and the remaining hinterland of the Hunter Valley. Within these bounds, a fluid economic situation has developed involving traditionally significant and mature generators of jobs moving towards an increasing recognition of, among other industries, the creative industries as a potentially strong economic sector. These industries include advertising and design, fashion, architecture, visual arts, performing arts, music, publishing, film, television, radio and electronic games and interactive content sectors. They are estimated to contribute a little over $1 billion to the gross regional product of the Hunter Region, with employment in them growing at a faster rate than the regional economy overall. Complementing the statistical indicators provided by the quantifiable data from this study, this chapter also outlines a number of case studies that were revealed via a set of in-depth ethnographic interviews and participant observations. By focusing here on cases within radio, popular music, publishing, fashion, theatre and television, we conclude that current entrepreneurial approaches in the region are adapting innovatively to the pressures of globalisation and digitisation.
