United Kingdom's Blueprint for Exporting Artistic and Intellectual Products

In the ever-evolving landscape of creativity and innovation, the UK government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to strengthen its position as a global leader in the creative economy. This strategy, known as the UK’s Creative Industries Exports Strategy, forms part of a broader vision outlined in the Creative Industries Sector Vision and Industrial Strategy, aiming to establish the UK as the global hub for creativity and innovation by 2035.

The strategy focuses on four key transformation goals: accelerating innovation-led growth, securing growth finance, building a skilled and diverse workforce, and increasing trade and exports. The creative industries currently contribute £124 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and support 2.4 million jobs, with exports worth £54.7 billion in 2021, accounting for about 7.7% of the UK’s total exports[1][3].

Key insights from the strategy reveal that the UK is strengthening sectors such as film and TV, music, performing and visual arts, and video games, noted for their global influence and investment attraction[1]. The government emphasizes embracing emerging technologies like AI and “createch” to unlock new creative expressions and markets, integrating digital and live performance sectors[2].

The strategy also highlights the video games sector, featuring highly innovative studios driving export growth, while advertising and marketing anticipate rising digital revenues globally[1]. There is a growing recognition of the importance of new types of creative spaces to foster innovation and collaboration, reflecting the sector’s evolving needs for physical and digital infrastructure[2].

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, new barriers have arisen for the UK’s creative exporters. However, the strategy aims to foster international trade relationships and reduce barriers to export growth, supported by cross-sector trade levers[1].

Recommendations for policymakers based on this strategy and expert analysis would include prioritizing investment in skills development and diversity to maintain a globally competitive talent pool, enhancing access to growth finance tailored to the creative sector’s unique industry dynamics, and supporting innovation adoption, especially in AI and digital media, to expand creative outputs and markets[1][3][4][5].

The policy brief, titled "The Creative Industries in the UK's Export Strategy," can be referenced as Easton, E. (2021) The Creative Industries in the UK's Export Strategy. London: Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and Nesta. Available from: https://cdn2.assets-servd.host/creative-pec/production/assets/publications/The-Creative-Industries-Export-Strategy-PEC-Policy-Brief-November-2021.pdf. The full discussion paper can be read here.

The UK, with its leading television production sector and status as a leading exporter of cultural and creative trade, is poised to capitalize on these recommendations. As we move towards 2035, the goal is to substantially increase export value and secure a global position in the creative economy.

[1] Easton, E. (2021) The Creative Industries in the UK's Export Strategy. London: Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and Nesta. Available from: https://cdn2.assets-servd.host/creative-pec/production/assets/publications/The-Creative-Industries-Export-Strategy-PEC-Policy-Brief-November-2021.pdf [2] Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (2021) Creative Industries Innovation in Seaside Resorts and Country Towns. London: Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre. Available from: https://pec.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Creative-Industries-Innovation-in-Seaside-Resorts-and-Country-Towns.pdf [3] UK Government (2020) Creative Industries Sector Deal. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/creative-industries-sector-deal/creative-industries-sector-deal [4] UK Government (2017) Industrial Strategy Green Paper. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-strategy-green-paper/industrial-strategy-green-paper [5] UK Government (2018) Industrial Strategy White Paper. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-strategy-white-paper/industrial-strategy-white-paper