Innovation and diversity in the digital cultural and creative industries

The cultural and creative industries (CCIs) are increasingly being recognised in South Africa, as other countries, wealth-creating, given appropriate investment, rather than primarily a non-market subsidized sector. However, national innovation policy is still predominantly focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering mathematics) skillsets related product markets. This paper analyses how the CCIs Cape Town cluster innovate by combining digital inputs, workforce diversity. Based similar study conducted Brighton, UK, of innovative CCI firms was identified that to varying degrees “fused”, defined technology design production. Fused have higher levels business processes, goods services. were also more likely employ demographically diverse people, adding insights from African mix UK studies disciplinary While fused creative-digital greater diversity, qualitative analysis SA gaming animation nevertheless demonstrates challenges for improving diversity developing country context.