Initially a provocative concept that incited lively debate and skepticism both in academic circles and among artists and cultural sector professionals, the creative economy is now an accepted force in global development. Complex interactions between both formal and informal, commercial and noncommercial, instrumental and intrinsic notions of knowledge and creativity demonstrate how cultural, technological, social, and economic development can all be valued and understood.

In this book, contributors explore this complexity through three interdependent concepts, the “triple helix” of creative economy: the entrepreneurial spirit, the urban environment, and knowledge institutions. Featuring empirical data and country-specific case studies, Beyond Frames also takes a broader view, considering the dynamics between the three elements and exploring both the societal value and the spillover effects of cultural and creative industries.

In recent years, the global creative economy has experienced unprecedented growth. In tandem with that, considerable research has been conducted to determine what exactly the creative economy is, what occupations are grouped under that name, and how it is to be measured. Organizations on various scales, from the United Nations to local governments, have released “creative” or “cultural” economy reports, developed policies for creative urban renewal, and directed attention to creative place making—the purposeful infusion of creative activity into specific urban environments.

Parallel to these research and policy interests, academic institutions and professional organizations have begun to develop training programs for future professionals in the creative and cultural industries. In this book, more than fifty scholars from across the globe shed light on this phenomenon of cultural entrepreneurship. Readers will find conceptual frameworks for building new programs for the creative industries, examples of pedagogical approaches and skills-based training, and concrete examples of program and course implementation.