By Bodil Malmström
Kristiina Urb is part of the Creativity Lab team in ekip and contributes to the work of the ekip network, policy formulation, and capacity building.
Her doctoral thesis focuses on optimising interorganisational activities between managers of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) and non-CCIs, with a strong emphasis on promoting cross-sector collaboration. The research analyses connections between interorganisational activities and social constructs that influence decision-making and behaviour.
“My motivation came from years of practical experience and observations of creative entrepreneurs and their struggles, for example when working with other sectors,” says Kristiina Urb.
Building on this experience, the thesis proposes the Three Cs model as a potential managerial tool for fostering cross-sector collaboration.
The Three Cs model is operationalised through guiding principles and consists of:
Together, these principles provide a structured approach to improving collaboration across sectors and strengthening innovation ecosystems.
Kristiina Urb’s doctoral research contributes directly to ekip’s work on policy formulation and ecosystem development by offering practical tools for managers, policymakers, and organisations seeking to improve collaboration between creative and non-creative sectors.
Read more: https://rb.gy/roex7t
July 16, 2026
By Katerina Kalimera
At the ekip Academy in Tallinn, the South of Scotland team described themselves as the “glue” forming sectors and enabling collaboration, a basic idea that stayed with attendees throughout the event....
July 13, 2026
By Bodil Malmström
From fungal textiles to living artefacts, researchers and designers are turning to deep tech to rethink what materials can do and who they are for....
July 10, 2026
By Katerina Kalimera
There is a particular kind of problem that no single organisation alone can solve, no matter how capable. ...
July 2, 2026
By Mats Benner
Recent EU policy debates—captured in the Letta and Draghi reports—have sharpened a familiar concern: Europe needs to better orchestrate its innovation resources. The ambition is clear. ...