It is difficult to wrap up the last days in Bilbao at the Creativity World Forum 2024, where I had the chance to be invited by the Eusko Jaurlaritza – Gobierno Vasco and the BDCC Basque District of Culture and Creativity to facilitate a Global challenge dealing with new business models for CCIs and cross-fertilisation opportunities with traditional industries.
The challenge brought together over 100 stakeholders from government, industry, academia and civil society to discuss and debate the obstacles to innovation and cross-fertilisation among industries. This was followed by proposing pathways for change and presenting evidence to support these proposals.
It turned out that as we continue to gravitate towards an increasingly technological and profit-oriented society, we often overlook the importance of knowledge valorisation and forging and fostering healthy collaborations with other industries to address challenges like climate change and social justice. Culture is indeed a significant factor at the center of industry and innovation, acting as both a driver and a reflection of the developments within various sectors and a vital channel through which citizens can comprehend and derive benefits from R&I.
A prime example is the newly HE project InteractionSeeds funded by the European Commission which strives to connect research and the arts to bring science closer to citizens and enhance the value of knowledge, making it more accessible and enriching for all.
As I look ahead, the insights gained from the Creativity World Forum 2024 underscore the vital need for continued dialogue and action and a reevaluation of our our values when innovating, I am genuinely curious and excited to see how these initiatives will unfold and change the innovation landscape in our regions.
Eskerrik asko Bilbao and Eusko Jaurlaritza – Gobierno Vasco, Districts of Creativity Network, Agencia Vasca de la Innovación | Innobasque, KSIgune, TECNALIA Research & Innovation, BDCC Basque District of Culture and Creativity and 3walks for the remarkable organisation.
