Thanks to our proactive engagement and impactful projects, last year was a landmark period for Openhub. Our dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration caught the attention of other organizations, leading to an exciting invitation to a creative meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria, that aimed to explore new horizons and deepen partnerships in Southeast Europe. Our collaborative efforts with the FRIEND CCI Eurocluster set a new benchmark for industry-academia collaboration, emphasizing practical solutions and shared knowledge, in cultural and creative industries. Additionally, the successful implementation of the POC 111 – Creating an Open Innovation Hub in the Southeast Region (OpenInnoHub) project underscored our commitment to practical, results-driven approaches in addressing real-world challenges. These initiatives solidified our reputation as a critical player in the digital creativity sector in Romania, paving the way for this new opportunity. The event Createch is at the second edition, an initiative of Genoveva Christova (Genny), a very energetic and creative person whom I had the opportunity to meet last year at cluster meet regions in Burgas.
As I found out, this endeavor was started by Genoneva and her team last year, but the passion for innovation in cultural and creative industries goes far back to the interior design company she founded many years ago. I was impressed to understand that the values these people share are similar to what we do here at Openhub. Moreover, they managed to bring together the local municipality, the Ministry of Culture, and other public authorities supporting the development of the CCI sector and, more specifically, the Gaming industry, which is recognized as a national strategy.
First day
The sessions started in a friendly, warm, and open way; the first panel discussion was on fostering Innovation in the Cultural and Creative Sectors through European and National Policies. One of the highlights of our first panel was the enlightening presentation by Vassilis Charalampidis from the European Creative Hubs Network, showcasing his efforts in fostering innovation within the cultural and creative sector. Below are some key points from his discourse:
- Vassilis emphasized the unique composition of local ecosystems, highlighting that innovation springs from bringing together diverse individuals from specific sectors within a unique environment. This process involves identifying each sector’s unique characteristics, finding the right people, and effectively integrating them into the creative process.
- He underscored the importance of peer-to-peer programs, advocating for learning from contemporaries as a crucial step in understanding and fostering innovation within one’s environment.
- Another critical point was the need for agility in learning and expanding our knowledge bases. Staying adaptable and continually seeking new information is key to keeping pace with the rapidly evolving creative sector.
- Vassilis shared that their network has successfully run over 100 mobility programs globally across Europe. These initiatives facilitate knowledge exchange and foster collaborations beyond geographical boundaries.
- Developing platforms like creativesunite.eu was highlighted as a significant achievement. These platforms are designed to connect creative individuals across Europe, providing tools and resources to aid in the creation of innovative products.
- He pointed out the available resources for uncovering financial opportunities within the CCI, essential for the sustenance and growth of creative projects.
- Lastly, Vassilis proudly noted the network’s expansion, now encompassing 400 members across 30 countries, underscoring the Creative Hubs Network’s widespread impact and connectivity.
These valuable insights made me reflect on the practical implications of our initiatives and understand the diverse perspectives that contributed to the cultural and creative industries in our region. The following panelists brought their unique experiences and viewpoints, enriching the conversation and highlighting the multifaceted nature of innovation in the cultural and creative industries:
- Milena Stoycheva – Minister of Innovation and Growth
- Yana Genova – Deputy Mayor of Sofia for “Culture, Education, Sports and Youth Activities”
- Nikola Barbutov – Deputy Mayor of Sofia for “European Policies, International Activity and Tourism”
They all contributed to the rich ideas and solutions to propel the cultural and creative industries forward, offering a unique lens through which we can examine and navigate the complexities of the CCI sector. And, of course, moderator Diana Andreeva-Popyordanova from the Observatory of Cultural Economics did an excellent job of getting many promises from these officials to foster the development of the CCI sector in Bulgaria and SE Europe.
The upcoming sessions ventured deep into the core of innovation, viewed through the prism of creative hubs. Thus, I’ll highlight a few of the critical concepts discussed.
Camila presented the essence of the Creative Business Network; she spoke of bridging divides between politicians and investors, between ideas and reality in the CCI sector. Her words painted a picture of a vibrant community connected to the digital expanse of mycreativenetworks.com. In this virtual meeting place, creatives from over 80 countries weave a global tapestry of innovation and unity, challenging the stereotype that artists and innovators work in isolation. Camila’s narrative was a reminder of the power of connection, the strength found in diversity, and the untapped potential waiting in collaborative spaces.
From the rich cultural backdrop of Apulia, Italy, Cinzi Lagioia brought forth the challenges of a creative economy, leading a cluster focused on the CCI. She underscored the significance of giving voice to the silent and steering a collective toward internationalization and skill enhancement. Her narrative reflected the local creative economy’s resilience, mapping its heartbeat amidst challenges and framing a future aligned with regional and national aspirations. Cinzi’s story was one of unity, vision, and the relentless pursuit of a community’s creative identity.
Lastly, Tudor, from Sofia Tech Park, shared a tale of transformation reminiscent of Forrest Gump’s journey, from simple beginnings to stages of impactful growth. Amidst challenges of vision, collaboration, and technological integration, Tudor’s story was one of perseverance, vision, and the unyielding belief in a community’s potential to drive a sustainable, innovative future.
The session was more than a series of presentations; it was a mosaic of personal journeys, shared challenges, and collective aspirations. It reminded me that at the heart of every policy, every strategy, and every innovation, there are people, stories, and dreams waiting to be acknowledged, nurtured, and realized.
Bridging Borders for Cultural and Creative Industries
I was part of the Bridging Borders in Creative Industries in the SEE panel, discussing how creativity looks in the Balkan region and what other challenges regional organizations face. It was a privilege to participate in this engaging discussion, where we delved into the unique landscape of creativity that characterizes the Balkan region. This was not just for sharing insights but for understanding the intricate weave of cultural, economic, and social threads that shape the cultural and creative industries in this diverse area. Part of the panel was Nana Radenković from Nova Iskra Creative Hub, whom I got the chance to meet at the airport, and only after 10 minutes we’ve started working on the memorandum Genny sent us a couple of days before. I was impressed by Nana’s dynamic creativity, only to find out later on her vast experience and how to manage to pull together resources for the Nova Iskra in Belgrade, Serbia. In this panel, I’ve had the chance to see the story of Originn Creative Hub from Izmir, Turkey, a creative hub created in an industrial area with an unbelievable story presented by Esra Gönen. I’ve had the opportunity to present Openhub’s activity from last year and how we intend to connect to this more extensive network of creatives in the region. Part of this panel was Elena Boyadjieva, professor of history and technology of photography at the International University Europa Prima in Nord Macedonia, who presented UMPACI (Union of Macedonian Professional Associations in the creative industries) activity.
Genny truly challenged us, extracting every ounce of our creative potential. Throughout the discussions, she compelled us to explore avenues for collaboration, urging us to harness Balkan creativity in tangible ways. The culmination of our efforts was signing a memorandum of understanding, committing us to seek collaborative opportunities and jointly embark on future projects. Looking back now, I understand the significance of these concerted efforts (A big thank you once again, Genny! :D).
The creativity contest
Following the panel discussions on innovation and collaboration, the event transitioned into an applicable phase, the creative business contest. This segment was a vibrant showcase of ingenuity and creativity, featuring contestants from various sectors presenting their unique business concepts. Here’s a glimpse into the diverse array of projects that captivated the audience:
- Flowers in Test Tubes – This concept, an emotional story of nature and science, brought the delicate beauty of flowers into modern decor, encapsulated within sleek test tubes. This idea wasn’t just about aesthetics; it also explored sustainable plant preservation techniques.
- 3D Architect using Artificial Intelligence -The team wants to revolutionize the design world; this project introduced an AI-powered architect who could create intricate 3D models. This tool promised to streamline the architectural design process, making it more intuitive and accessible for clients as they fine-tune their ideas. I liked the invitation for associates with a proven record of technical skills.
- Music School Melody proposed an immersive learning environment where students could explore and refine their musical talents, supported by seasoned professionals and cutting-edge technology. Future of TV – Virtual Living Room: This clever concept reimagined television watching as a communal, interactive experience. Imagine watching your favorite shows with friends or family, no matter where they are, in a virtual living room setting.
- Rose-Based Food Products – A concept tapping into the culinary potential of roses, this venture proposed a line of gourmet food products infused with the delicate flavors and health benefits of roses, blending culinary art with the essence of nature. The emotions transmitted helped this team win the prize to be incubated for a month to further develop the business idea.
Each contestant enthusiastically and clearly presented his or her idea, complemented by impressive visuals and compelling narratives. The audience was not just spectators but active participants engaged in a journey through innovation, beauty, and shared dreams. As the presentations unfolded, it became evident that creativity knows no bounds, and when harnessed correctly, it has the power to transform industries and enhance our everyday lives. What an excellent way to close the day with creativity.
Second day
On the second day, I participated in a workshop from a local creative NGO (… I forgot the name) that intended to find creative ways to capitalize on the Martenitsa celebration. And yes, it’s the Romanian “Martishor” and I discovered that all the Balkan countries have it. This is where I’ve got the chance to present Leru.ro, Openhub’s Christmas funding campaign. I forgot to mention that the event was hosted at the Toplocentrala – center of contemporary art, a thermal power station transformed into a creative space where all kinds of nice events occur in Sofia.
After this, Genny created an ad hoc meeting with the memorandum signers where we shared our vision on what’s next regarding culture and creativity for our Martenitsa consortium and agreed to meet regularly online to identify collaboration opportunities.
Following the meeting, I arrived just in time for Ellen Lande’s presentation on crafting Emotional Immersive Experiences from a renowned painting, a commitment I had made to her the previous evening.
Lastly, I had the opportunity to try out the Apple Vision Pro, and I was genuinely astounded by the high resolution and quality of the display. This technology can revolutionize our work and lifestyle when the community starts building applications for this environment.
I am confident that we will discover our unique identity in Southeast Europe, and I anticipate finding new collaboration opportunities with regional partners. This event significantly inspired me to explore funding and tender opportunities to continue developing what we’ve initiated at OpenHub. I am confident that leru.ro, DanubeAir, Code Girls, or other projects we’ve started can find a match on upcoming Interreg, Creative Europe, or Erasmus+ calls. At the same time, we are open to partnerships where we can support the local creative community through grants, training, or access to international marketing. I know huge creativity is waiting to be untapped in the region, and we must find a way to do it.