Draft Action Plan
On February 18, 2011 more than 50 people gathered for the first forum on fostering a Creative Economy in Pictou County.
Download a copy of the Draft Action Plan (270KB) and join us on May 26th for a World Cafe to debate & discuss the plan.
Read the latest press release (May 24, 2011)
Strengthening the Creative Economy Foundations in Pictou County
The emergence of the creative economy is now the major driving force for growth in advanced economies. There is now a strong consensus among business and policy leaders that economies in North America must be innovation driven to create sustainable economic growth. Creative economies are communities that encourage innovative thinking.
Developed countries around the world are now functioning in a post-industrial knowledge economy, in which ideas and information have become major commodities. With a much wider range of available options, consumers increasingly choose products and services that better reflect their individuality. Self-expression and the construction of identity play an ever-expanding role in the marketplace as consumers seek out personally enriching and meaningful experiences.
The impact of the creative economy on Pictou County provides both opportunities and challenges. Pictou County, if it is to attract and retain creative people must lay the foundation for a creative economy. Major economic development issues are as follows:
• Market Challenges: Goods and services provided by Pictou County businesses will increasingly be customized to individual experience, i.e., unique visitor experiences, specialization and connectedness.
• Industry Structure: Organization on the forefront of the creative economy will be characterized by a movement away from hierarchy to open collaborative environments that foster creativity.
• Economic Foundations: In the creative economy, universities, community colleges and other education institutions become more valuable than traditional infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
• Community: Communities play a vital role in development of the creative economy. Creativity increases in open, diverse, tolerant communities as existing residents feel encouraged to stay and new residents are attracted to the area.
Who is a part of the Creative Economy?
courtesy Dan Taylor, Economic Development Officer, Prince Edward County, Ontario
Sparking Ideas for Fostering a Creative Economy in Pictou County
On January 20, 2011 PRDA hosted its 17th Annual Forum for Economic Cooperation. Creative Economy champion Dan Taylor was the guest speaker.
View a video clip from his presentation
Read a great article that sums up what the creative economy is from The New Glasgow News
On February 18, 2011 a day long forum on the Creative Economy was held. Fifty participants gathered to network, share, learn and make plans for cultivating a creative economy in Pictou County. View pictures from this event on our community page. Read article in The New Glasgow News
Download a copy of the DRAFT ACTION PLAN (270KB) that was developed from the input on February 18th.
