The creative industries in Copenhagen

The creative industries as a new growth industry

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Game developers compete globally

Within a few years, the creative industries could well be on the way to becoming a significant growth industry on a par with parts of the IT sector and the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. With a turnover of DKK 137 billion in 2001, the industry accounts for approx. 6% of Denmark’s total turnover. The industry employs 105,000 people and its exports are worth DKK 20 billion.

Expectations for the creative industries as a growth sector and as a regional centre for creativity are high, not only in Denmark, but also in other western countries. This is owing to several factors: First, the international market for creative products and experiences is enjoying substantial growth. Whether in film, design, fashion or games, demand has been rising for several years and continues to do so.

Secondly, the creative industries are generating new spheres of creativity. This applies to the way creativity is used to generate innovation, which provides inspiration for other companies, and it applies to the meeting between two different worlds: The creative world and the business world. Thirdly, the creative industries are an important factor in attracting highly qualified individuals and businesses to a region.

The creative industries in Copenhagen are attracting international attention

In terms of turnover, the creative industries cover a wide range of disciplines – from design and architecture to books and software (See Figure 2). Typically, it is the largest sectors that are mostly orientated towards international markets. However, pioneers are now also impacting strongly on international markets. In keeping with this trend, the creative industry in Copenhagen within fashion, design, computer games and film has achieved considerable international attention in recent years.

The success of the computer games and fashion industries is centred on niche markets that, nevertheless, have proved to be attractive markets. Such successes contribute to Copenhagen’s strong image as a capital of creativity.

International potential

The international success achieved by some creative sectors will strengthen Copenhagen’s ability to attract investment, enterprises and highly qualified individuals. For creative companies considering locating in a particular region, it is important to operate in an attractive environment to recruit qualified staff and identify partners. This is already happening: In recent years, several creative international companies have established themselves in Copenhagen bringing the number of foreign companies with a presence in the region to 147 – the majority within advertising and marketing, print media, books, music, radio/TV and film/video. This figure matches the medico sector (See Figure 3).

Moreover, for companies in other sectors wishing to establish, for example, development departments or head offices in a particular region, the creative environment and life quality is of increasing importance. Not least because the best qualified staff wish to live and work in the most attractive environments. If the creative industries continue to grow significantly and prove successful in international markets – in line with other growth industries – it can, over the coming years, contribute to enhancing the image of Copenhagen as an attractive region with international potential and thus play a part in drawing international companies and individuals to the region.

Last updated on: 20-11-2006	<< Back   Top