Creating a twenty-first-century city is not so much a question of technology as it is of jobs, dollars and quality of life. A community's plan to reinvent itself for the new, knowledge-based economy and society therefore requires educating all its citizens about this new global revolution in the nature of work. To succeed, cities must prepare their citizens to take ownership of their communities and educate the next generation of leaders and workers to meet the new global challenges of what is now being termed the "Creative Economy.” At the heart of such efforts must be recognition of the vital roles that art and technology play in enhancing economic development and, ultimately, defining a "creative community" -- a community that exploits the vital linkages among art, technology and commerce. A community with a sense of place. A community that nurtures attracts and holds the most creative and innovation workers. Those communities placing a premium on cultural, ethnic, and artistic diversity, reinventing their knowledge factories for the creative age, and building the new information infrastructures for our age, will likely burst with creativity and entrepreneurial fervor. These are the ingredients so essential to developing and attracting the bright and creative people to generate new patents and inventions, innovative world-class products and services, and the finance and marketing plans to support them. Nothing less will ensure a city's economic, social, and political viability in the twenty-first century.
Table of Contents
PREFACE
THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY: FORGING THE LINKS BETWEEN ART CULTURE COMMERCE & COMMUNITY
Cyberspace and Cyberplace
The Emergence of Smart Communities
The New Urban Landscape
The Emergence of a Creative Class
A Call to Action: The Arts Imperative
Creative Communities in the Making
The Arts in Modern Education
The Marriage of Art and Science
The Role of Technology
The Message for Cities of the Future
CONCLUSION
Objectives & Themes
This document explores the vital role that art and culture play in defining "creative communities" and driving economic development in a post-industrial, knowledge-based society. It examines how cities can reinvent themselves by fostering linkages between arts, commerce, and technology to attract and retain talented workforces.
- The intersection of technology, urban planning, and cultural development.
- The rise of the "Creative Class" and its influence on the modern economy.
- Integrating arts-infused education to prepare future generations for knowledge-based jobs.
- Examples of smart city initiatives that leverage arts as a competitive advantage.
- The evolution of economic development strategies from tax incentives to quality-of-life investments.
Excerpt from the Book
The New Urban Landscape
We have learned a great deal since beginning this effort a decade ago to understand the challenges cities face in a new, global “information economy”, an economy based not on the production of goods and services or agriculture, although these basic industries continue, but on the emerging trend toward the production, use and transfer of information and knowledge. First, many thought leaders suggest cities of the future will not be cities in the usual sense but rather powerful regional economies. As economists and pundits alike acknowledge, there is no national economy per se, only a global economy, which author Neil Pierce defines as “a constellation of regional economies with strong cities at the core.”
Kenichi Ohmae, author of The Borderless Economy, suggests we are witnessing the rise and the rebirth of the age-old concept of the city-state or, as he prefers, the “region-state.” The new region-state has the power and authority to take ownership of its own future and a governing process enabling a new model of government for the digital age.
Summary of Chapters
Preface: Introduces the economic shift toward knowledge-based societies and defines the creative community concept.
Cyberspace and Cyberplace: Analyzes the rapid growth of the internet and its role as an infrastructure for 21st-century cities.
The Emergence of Smart Communities: Discusses global initiatives focused on integrating technology into urban living.
The New Urban Landscape: Explores the transition from traditional manufacturing-based cities to modern, powerful regional economies.
The Emergence of a Creative Class: Examines the demographic group driving modern innovation and their specific cultural and economic preferences.
A Call to Action: The Arts Imperative: Argues that arts and culture are essential components for competitive regional development.
Creative Communities in the Making: Provides case studies of cities utilizing arts-based strategies to attract talent and investment.
The Arts in Modern Education: Evaluates how arts-infused curricula improve student achievement and skill development.
The Marriage of Art and Science: Advocates for transdisciplinary education to bridge the gap between creative and technical thinking.
The Role of Technology: Discusses the importance of leveraging technology to support creative learning environments.
The Message for Cities of the Future: Concludes that future success depends on attracting creative talent rather than just providing industrial subsidies.
CONCLUSION: Summarizes the necessity for cities to prioritize cultural and intellectual diversity to remain competitive in the global economy.
Keywords
Creative Community, Smart Communities, Post-industrial Economy, Knowledge Economy, Urban Development, Arts Education, Information Infrastructure, Creative Class, Regional Economics, Innovation Habitat, Cultural Diversity, Digital Age, Workforce Development, Tech-integrated Learning, Economic Competitiveness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this white paper?
The paper examines how cities can navigate the challenges of the 21st-century post-industrial economy by leveraging the nexus of art, culture, and technology to become more competitive and livable.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the rise of the "Creative Class," the integration of arts in education, the role of digital infrastructure in urban planning, and the shift in economic development strategies.
What is the main objective of the author?
The author aims to demonstrate that economic development in the information age is driven by human talent and cultural vibrancy rather than traditional incentives like tax breaks or industrial subsidies.
Which methodologies are highlighted in the document?
The paper utilizes analytical case studies and references contemporary economic and sociological theories regarding regional development and educational reform.
What does the main body cover?
It covers the evolution of smart communities, the shift toward a creative economy, the role of arts-infused education in schools, and specific real-world examples of cities that have successfully revitalized their regions.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Keywords include Smart Communities, Creative Class, Knowledge Economy, Urban Revitalization, and Arts-infused Education.
How does the author define a "Smart Community"?
It is defined as a geographical area where residents, organizations, and institutions use information technology and cultural assets to fundamentally transform and improve their region.
Why is arts education emphasized for future success?
The author argues that arts education develops "thinking tools" essential for innovation, transdisciplinary learning, and fostering the mental agility required in a knowledge-based economy.
What is the significance of the "third place" mentioned in the text?
The "third place" refers to spaces outside of home and work where creative professionals can gather for stimulation, which is a vital element for downtown urban revitalization.
- Quote paper
- John Eger (Author), 2010, The creative community, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/150294
