Creative Industries in Norway: A Question of Cultural Heritage and Identity

    • Lucca November 2016
    • Presentation speakers
      • Ekaterina Bagreeva, Russian Economic University of G. V. Plekhanov

    Abstract:

    Creative industries are a part of the service industries. In his book “The Wealth of Nations” from 1776, Adam Smith argued that service occupations were unproductive. However, the service industry is now the largest sector in modern economies. Within this area, the creative industries have grown faster than the industry in general over the last 15 years, making it interesting even at a national level. Of the nine groups of creative industries defined by the Center of Creative Industries in Norway, the group “cultural heritage and the arts” may be considered challenging with regards to the topic of identity in a country with a history of 500 years of being ruled by others, and the last 50 years with extensive immigration. With this level of foreign influence, the questions of national versus international aspects are valuable inputs for considering the cultural heritage as a resource in the development of the society. The Heritage Cycle (Simon Thurley, 2005) helps analyzing these elements, and describes how the past can become a part of the future through understanding, valuing, caring and enjoying the cultural heritage. In this context, it could be seen as a resource influencing the awareness and content of a national and/or regional identity. Furthermore, these aspects may be used in linking levels of value creation towards both heritage and identity. The presentation highlights the creative industries in Norway country through three case studies: The northern city of Røros, through the assignments of DMC Authenticore, and within a children’s book – “Norway in Miniatures from A to Z”. These examples are used in addressing the big questions of a national cultural heritage and identity, each one on a different level – one city, one company, one book.