We propose a new definition of the creative industries in terms of social network markets. The current definition of the creative industries is based on an industrial classification that proceeds in terms of the creative nature of inputs and the intellectual property nature of outputs. We propose, instead, a new market-based definition in terms of the extent to which both demand and supply operate in complex social networks. We review and critique the standard creative industries definitions and explain why we believe a market-based social network definition offers an analytic advance. We discuss the empirical, analytic and policy implications of this new definition.
Download the presentation version of this article presented at the Creative Destruction conference, March 2008 from the from the link above.
The published journal article is available for subscription only access from the Journal of Cultural Economics, Volume 32, Number 3 / September, 2008