Pan-northern collaboration project between the HE sector and the creative and cultural industries in the UK

Cook, R

Abstract

This paper examines through a case study approach a unique collaborative project ” The Northern Edge” established in the north of England. This is a major consortium of 15 Northern Universities formed in Dec 2006 to work closely with the creative and cultural industries to provide a focal point for the development of lifelong learning, continuous professional development, research and knowledge transfer. The project is funded by a government initiative, the Northern Way, designed to promote the economic and social development of the North of England and thus to close the wealth gap with the south.

The paper will outline the purpose of the Northern Way project set against an analysis of the relative disadvantages faced by the North. It will describe the importance of the creative and cultural industries as part of the knowledge economy and it will emphasise the critical role of the city regions of the north as drivers of growth and will explore the role and potential of the creative capital of the region’s universities to act as an agent of change in the context of the sector.

The paper will outline the pilot projects being developed and delivered and will reflect upon the challenges and difficulties presented by such a large and diverse network. It will explore the problems encountered in developing learning models for the freelance workforce and small businesses which characterise much of the creative/cultural sector. The paper will conclude with some preliminary findings on the development work of the project.

Citation

Cook, R. (2010). Pan-northern collaboration project between the HE sector and the creative and cultural industries in the UK. In M. Osborne, & N. Longworth (Eds.), Perspectives on Learning Cities and Regions. Leicester: NIACE

• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: May 24, 2010
• Book Title: Perspectives on Learning Cities and Regions
• ISBN: 9781862014480
• Publisher URL: http://shop.niace.org.uk/perspectives-learning-cities.html