Transformations  in
Business & Economics

Conceptualizing the Creative Industries: Theory and Policy Considerations
Ana Barbara Bobirca, Paul Gabriel Miclaus, Alina Draghici

ABSTRACT. Our research is meant to provide a systematic conceptualization of the creative industries that may serve as basis for further empirical investigation and analysis. The main goal is to conceptualize the notion, linking it to a broad theoretical framework of reference. Therefore, we mine both theory and experience to construct a conceptual model that can be used to provide a range of definitional criteria, delineate the scope of these activities, clarify key policy issues and offer examples of action options.

By using theoretical sampling and by including sensitizing concepts in an analytic frame, we were able to advance theory and to move beyond the extant concepts in the literature. What has been added in this paper is the further observation that creative industries development takes place in a multifaceted context, with specific production process organization, product/service characteristics, workforce structure and behaviour, industrial organization, and economic model.

KEYWORDS: creativity, creative industries, knowledge economy, conceptual framework, sensitizing concepts.

JEL classification: Z110, Z190, L890, O390, R110.