Need for strong focus on startups in creative economy: KSUM conclave
Kochi / July 20, 2024
Kochi, July 20: Creative economy merits stronger investment than other conventional sectors in the new age because the resultant generation of jobs will benefit local population the most, experts noted at a conclave by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) here today.
Employment opportunities will be higher in a stronger creative economy than most other industries in the future, they emphasised at the day-long ‘Beyond Tomorrow’ that sought to drive innovation in ways which foster sustainable growth.
Also, startups will be playing a vibrant role in creative economy which is based on people's use of novel imagination to increase an idea’s value rather than the traditional resources of land, labour and capital.
Such dynamics will further boost the scope of creative economy, Kerala Chief Secretary Dr Venu V. said. “Creative minds should join hands with startups in a big way,” he noted at the opening session of the two-day event that featured expert panels and discussions on policy changes and job creation, besides integrating arts in education, tourism and technology.
Initiated by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and UNESCO under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Culture, the event at Le Méridien was held in collaboration with The Art Outreach Society (TAOS) with the aim of shaping Kerala’s creative economies for social and economic development.
Shri Hibi Eden, MP, in his inaugural address, emphasised the need for governmental support to cultural and creative endeavours. “Development is not about just improving infrastructural facilities; we need to also nurture culture and sustaining heritage,” he noted.
KSUM Chief Executive Officer Ahri Anoop Ambika, while pointing out an “intrinsic relationship” between technological knowledge and creative art, said the nodal agency was scouting for young brains in areas such as coding, designing and developing.
Dr Shah Faesal, Deputy Secretary in the Union Ministry of Culture, stressed the need for developing creative industries into sources of guaranteed income to the economy. “For this, we need to adopt a clear policy and its clean execution,” he added.
Teamwork Arts MD Shri Sanjoy K. Roy, who is Co-Chair of FICCI Tourism & Culture Committee, pointed out that creative industries had the capacity to generate jobs in double the numbers by the conventional ones. “For instance, an investment of Rs 1 crore can bring in jobs totalling 110 in creative industries, while the number will be around 50 in other cases,” he said.
Other speakers at the opening session included Principal Secretary (Industries) Shri A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish and curator-author Tanya Abraham, who is founder of TAOS.
Besides exploring the intersections of culture, education, tourism and technology, the conclave facilitated professionals to network with stakeholders from various sectors. While exploring ways on how the creative economy can drive sustainable growth and innovation, it benefited educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs and creative professionals by providing perspectives and opportunities to contribute to Kerala’s future.
Beyond Tomorrow was KSUM’s step towards developing a creative economy, organised in association with FICCI and TAOS. The key partners of the event include UNESCO, British Council, SAIK (Society of AVGC Institutions in Kerala) and Teamwork.
The conference featured a series of keynote addresses, panel discussions and networking opportunities with leading experts and influencers in the creative industries.
KSUM is the Kerala government’s nodal agency established in 2006 for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in the state.
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