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Creative economy theme area

The creative economy combines art, technology and business in a new and innovative way. It supports the growth of national economies, promotes sustainable development, improves employment and creates a quality of life through cultural products and services. The creative economy also encourages individuals to participate in social and ecological sustainability.

Development themes and objectives

The creative economy is a complex thematic area that combines culture, technology, human capital, management, entrepreneurship and business models in an innovative way. Its development themes include the media industry, arts and cultural institutions, the game industry and related topics such as the circular economy, sustainable tourism, digital transformation, strategic management and innovation.

The creative economy promotes the sustainable development of cities and businesses and renews the economy through innovative business models. Of particular interest is the development of working methods for creative workers, the digitalisation of the cultural and creative industries, and global creative production networks.

In TAMK's RDIC activities, the creative economy combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications in a unique way, which supports the economic, cultural and ecological vitality of the Tampere Region. 

  • We promote sustainable growth by combining creative industries and ideas across art, culture, business and technology.
  • We seek solutions on how to adapt to rapid social and economic changes while promoting sustainable development.
  • We help create jobs and increase quality of life through cultural products and services.
  • We create platforms to support genuine self-expression and diverse voices.
  • We develop knowledge and technology by coordinating learning in the areas of creativity and knowledge. 

Focus areas of RDIC activities

Visual arts

Visual art creates visually and conceptually unique works that serve as cultural landmarks and personal expressions. Visual art fundamentally represents the essence of culture. It provides artists and audiences with tools to increase the understanding and experience of beauty. 

Music

Music is a fundamental element of the creative economy, combining artistic expression and technical skill to create culturally and emotionally echo-based soundscapes. It covers genres, styles, and platforms that often integrate with other sectors such as film and events to amplify the overall experience. 

Interactive media

Interactive media is at the forefront of digital innovation. It emphasises user experience and interaction through websites, applications, and other online interfaces. Interactive media represents the union of technology and creativity that shapes the way we communicate and participate in the digital world. 

Gaming industry

The gaming industry is a rapidly expanding sector that combines interactive design with storytelling and graphic innovation to create immersive gaming experiences. The gaming industry emphasises both technical know-how and creative imagination, offering consumers unique experiences. 

Events

Events create unforgettable experiences. They require careful planning and professional implementation. Concerts, festivals and exhibitions are important for developing cultural interaction and communality. 

AV Media

The film combines storytelling with advanced technology. By combining narrative, image and sound, compelling visual narratives are created. Film is a dynamic field that shapes cultural narrative and visual communication globally.

Media on television, radio, and digital platforms focus on delivering informative and entertaining content. It plays a key role in conveying creative ideas, social debate, entertainment and information to the general public. 

Applied research infrastructures

The high-quality facilities of the Mediapolis campus meet the extensive production needs of the media industry. Modern studios and production equipment are shared between students, teachers and media professionals.

The cooperation between TAMK and different media companies in Mediapolis supports teaching, improves practical learning experiences and promotes networking in the field. In addition, it enables professional media productions. 

Key projects

SPOTLOG (2023–2027)

The project aims to involve local communities in activities that create socially sustainable urban logistics solutions. 

CoroPrevention (2020–2026)

The project develops a strategy that enables individually tailored prevention for patients diagnosed with heart disease. TAMK implemented extensive video and animation production for an international health application. 

Green Education in Media (2022–2025)

The GEM project combines media curricula with today's environmental realities, develops new media courses and supports the digital competence of the higher education sector and the capacity for green transition. 

InnoHEIs (2019–2023)

The project improved the operational capacity of higher education institutions' RDIC infrastructures and services, thereby expanding their efficient and effective use regionally. 

Impact of out projects

TAMK has strengthened its position as a pioneer in education and research in the creative economy, creating impressive results that benefit both society and the economy.

TAMK has developed unique degree programmes that combine creative industries and technological innovation, preparing students to meet the challenges of the modern creative economy. In particular, the game industry and digital media fields have emerged as TAMK's innovative centres, where students work in close cooperation with companies in the field to create new products and services.

TAMK's research projects have promoted the goals of sustainable development by developing new environmentally friendly materials and processes. These projects have gained international attention and recognition. 

Sustainable Development Goals

In particular, we promote the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:  

  • Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all                 
    • The creative economy requires and promotes continuous learning, training and professional development, especially in the arts, media, games and interactive media.
  • Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
    • Creative economy sectors, such as the games industry and the film sector, create jobs and foster innovative entrepreneurship, which is essential for achieving sustainable economic growth.
  • Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
    • The creative economy integrates new technologies and innovations, especially in the development of interactive media and digital platforms.
  • Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable  
    • Events such as festivals and exhibitions promote cultural diversity and make cities and communities more vibrant and sustainable.
  • Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
    • Creative economy sectors can contribute to more sustainable production, for example in the context of consumption patterns and sustainable tourism.
  • Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
    • Creative economy actors often work in interdisciplinary and international networks, promoting global partnerships and cooperation. 

Networks

  • EIT Culture &; Creativity is a large European network of European cultural and creative actors. Membership provides TAMK with an extensive EU-level network and a comprehensive knowledge base for developing the creative sector.
  • TAMK is an active participant in the international European Network of Living Labs, which we can use for learning, exchanging good practices and deepening cooperation.  

Become our partner

In the theme area of the creative economy, TAMK offers diverse cooperation opportunities with higher education actors, companies and communities. Cooperation may take the form of creative projects, joint research projects, exchange of know-how, and activities that promote students' internships and employment.

TAMK actively strives to expand its networks and deepen existing partnerships. Cooperation can range from joint training programmes and workshops to joint research and development projects that promote both technological and cultural innovation. In cooperation between higher education institutions and companies, it is particularly valuable to support the commercialisation and application of new and groundbreaking ideas.

Become our partner in the theme of creative economy, where we combine art, culture and technology to drive the economy of the new age. Together we can create innovations that shape the future and contribute to sustainable development. 

Contact information