Erasmia Spanoudaki, "Local development via creative economy (the case of Chania)", Doctoral Dissertation, School of Production Engineering and Management, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece, 2017
https://doi.org/10.26233/heallink.tuc.67618
Aim of the thesis, is to identify the development opportunities via the Creative Economy concept, in the northern part of the Chania district. The research examines, whether the Cultural and Creative Industries (C.C.I’s, core sectors of Creative Economy) can create a positive impact on the economy of the area. The extended literature review concluded, that C.C.I.’s have multiplier effects on the economy of a spatial entity, especially in areas with tourism. E.U. policies are forcing development through C.C.I.’s aiming toward financial growth, social cohesion and fostering the potential of culture for local, regional and national development and the spill-over effects on the wider economy. Cultural and Creative Industries are closely related to the academic fields of Architecture, ICT’s, and Management at the T.U.C and uphold entrepreneurial and self-employment opportunities for graduates. A successful example for the developmental impact of C.C.I.’s is the case study of Bilbao (The Bilbao Effect), where the establishment of the Guggenheim Museum recorded positive economic and social impacts in an extended geographical area with spill-over effects on the wider economy. The research question: “It is possible in the era of severe economic and social crisis to have growth via Creative economy? Is it possible to propose a Local Development Plan based on the principles of C.C.I.’s?” The survey focuses in six main topics:1. Which are the potentials of the area (typically Mediterranean) in cultural and creative resources?2. What are the bottlenecks for future economic development via C.C.I.’s?3. Which are the European, national, regional policies and strategies to support local development through C.C.I.’s?4. Are the local cultural products interesting to tourists (so they can support economic development),5. Research on the organizational and administrative structure of existing C.C.I’s in the area, 6. Can a simple but radical business model, force economic development and employment in the area via Creative economy?