Bridging the Gap: Co-Formulating Policies for Creative Industries

Photo: Anne Fehres and Luke Conroy & AI4Media / Better Images of AI / Data is a Mirror of Us

The first ekip Policy Lab and the intersection of CCIs and AI

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation, the intersection of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) and artificial intelligence presents both challenges and opportunities. To navigate this dynamic terrain, stakeholders across Europe met in Brussels for ekip’s first Policy Lab.

Policy Lab, run by Technopolis Group, is a multidimensional tool designed to equip policymakers with evidence-based recommendations tailored to the diverse landscape of creative industries. The work is part of ekip’s policy engine and relates to policies that aim to create more open and inclusive ecosystems for CCIs.

Through a structured process, the Policy Lab aims to co-create actionable solutions informed by the insights of stakeholders and experts within the field.

“There is a huge gap between stakeholder organization and what’s happening at a national or EU level. So, we need to prove our case and gather voices of all those people at the same time that creates a resonance box for the policymakers the ones who decide on strategies and agendas,” says Alexandre Lotito, Senior Consultant at Technopolis Group’s Brussels office.

High levels of engagement and open dialogue

By fostering open dialogue, embracing diversity, and harnessing collective expertise, stakeholders can chart a course toward a more inclusive and impactful cultural policy landscape.

The event unfolded over two days and was meticulously structured to foster engagement and yield actionable insights. Attendees were presented with perspectives ranging from the role of small CCI actors in AI innovation to real-world case studies on AI’s impact on cultural tourism and the music industry.

“I think that we had a very good level of engagement in the discussion people really bringing their experience and the needs of their communities. It was a good mix, representing many geographies and stakeholder interests,” says Alexandre Lotito.

The workshop offered a space where stakeholders could share experiences, voice concerns, and co-create strategies. This inclusive approach, rooted in open innovation, acknowledges the value of diverse perspectives in tackling complex challenges.

Corinne Szteinsznaider and Laura Galante mapping challenges faced by CCIs in leveraging AI technologies

Different challenges for CCIs in adopting AI

Central to the discussions were the challenges CCIs face in leveraging AI technologies particularly for smaller players in the ecosystem. These ranged from navigating AI adoption and skills gaps to fostering a culture of ethical AI.

One critical aspect is bridging the gap between traditional creative practices and emerging technologies. This requires upskilling CCI professionals in AI-related competencies and fostering collaboration between tech talent and creative practitioners.

“When we look at the mapping of challenges identified at the beginning of the workshop, what is striking is the level of uncertainty. We started with 60 ideas on sticky notes and by the end of day two, we narrowed them down to clear targets and challenges,” one participant explained.

The added value of this working method is its broader reach.

“Policy Lab, as a method, has its strength in reaching consensus. Being together in the same room and working on shared problems is quite rare in policymaking,” Alexandre Lotito emphasizes.

Creating synergies across the creative sector

Corinne Szteinsznaider, a member of the Presidium of Culture Action Europe, was among the participants.

“I work in advocacy, so I’m very interested in contributing to initiatives that create synergies sharing curiosity, experience, and learning from others.”

She highlighted that small creative industries face challenges similar to those of small cultural organizations.

“We are all working for common values. It’s very interesting to discuss issues like copyright and artificial intelligence,” says Corinne Szteinsznaider.

If actors across the cultural and creative sectors align around shared recommendations, strong alliances can emerge. ekip plays a vital role by mapping the landscape, identifying gaps, and bringing sectors together.

“We are advocating for the same things. Even if we are from different countries, the challenges are very similar. Together, we can have a strong voice and that is crucial from a policy perspective.”

Continuous dialogue and policy refinement

One of the most significant outcomes of the lab was identifying policy gaps and barriers that hinder AI integration in CCIs. Participants outlined concrete policy action plans at regional, national, and European levels.

“The journey didn’t end with the conclusion of the lab. It marked the beginning of a continuous dialogue and policy refinement process. We will now host online workshops to further refine recommendations and engage stakeholders who couldn’t participate in person,” says Alexandre Lotito.

This iterative approach underscores ekip’s commitment to adaptability, inclusion, and responsiveness in policy formulation.