International conference Higher Education and the Creative Economy

22nd-23rd March 2010
University of Southampton, Southampton (UK)

The conference aims to address the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) within the creative economy and to establish a network of research and collaboration around this theme. While the literature recognises the role of HEIs in local and regional development and their importance with reference to human capital, very little attention has been devoted to the way HEIs contribute to the cultural and creative economy locally and nationally. The conference will create a platform for a debate about the knowledge and research available in this field and discuss the potential development of the role of HEIs as the creative economy becomes central to the economic development of the UK

Academics, researchers, practitioners and policy makers are invited to attend this two-day conference and contribute to the debate.

Call for Papers

Papers are invited to address and discuss issues around the role of HEIs in the creative economy. Some key themes to be addressed will include:

• The role of cultural production and provision in HEIs;
• Creative graduates and their contribution to the local economy;
• The role of knowledge transfer between HEIs and the creative industries;
• Creative industries and HEIs: what kind of business interactions?;
• Connection between HEIs and creative city policies;
• Attraction and retention of creative graduates in local economies;
• HEIs strategies in the creative economy.

Papers are welcomed which will touch or expand on the themes outlined. It is expected that papers will come from a variety of disciplines, using both quantitative, qualitative and case study methods. The best papers will be selected for publication in a Special Issue of a leading peer-reviewed journal.

Call for Posters

For participants interested in presenting a practical project, a case study or a local initiative on the role of HEIs and the creative economy, there will be a possibility to display your posters in a poster session within the conference. Please register your interest in presenting a poster at the conference by e-mailing info@creative-campus.org.uk by the 10th February 2010

Submitting your abstract

The abstract should include information about the nature of the paper, for example, whether it is a report on completed research, work in progress, an analytical or discussion paper, a case study on a project of practice. Abstracts should not exceed 1,000 words (excluding references) and should include all the contact details of the authors. If you wish you paper to be considered for publication, please state so on your e-mail. Abstract should be submitted electronically to info@creative-campus.org.uk by the 10th February 2010

Scientific Committee

• Dr. Roberta Comunian, School of Geography, University of Southampton
• Dr Alessandra Faggian,, School of Geography, University of Southampton
• Dr Bill Brooks, School of Humanities, University of Southampton
• Dr Peter Smith, School of Social Sciences, University of Southampton
• Dr Charlotta Mellander, Jönköping International Business School, Sweden
• Prof. Peter McGregor, Department of Economics Strathclyde University
• Prof Rod Pilling, Faculty of Media. Arts and Society, Southampton Solent University
• Dr Loykie Lominé, Faculty of Arts, University of Winchester
• Kate Oakley, Visiting Professor , Department of Cultural Policy and Management, City University
• Dr Caroline Chapain, CURS, University of Birmingham
• Dr Nick Clifton, Cardiff School of Management, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff

Attending the conference

Whether presenting a paper or simply attending the conference you will need to register for the conference completing the Registration Form available at www.creative-campus.org.uk and send it via post with enclosed payment (cheques only) to: Dr. R Comunian, School of Geography, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, SO17 1BJ

Attendance fees include conference materials, coffee breaks over the two days, lunch and conference dinner:
£ 80 Full fees
£ 40 Reduced fees (for students, early career researchers and members of staff of the organising universities - proof of status required)

Calling Creative and cultural industries practitioners

Creative and cultural industries practitioners interested in attending this conference can apply for a bursary to cover the registration fee through the Employer Engagement Initiative at the University of Southampton. To register your interest in attending, please contact: R.Comunian@soton.ac.uk (Business Fellow, Employer Engagement Initiative). You will be asked to complete an online questionnaire about your professional development needs and interests in engaging with universities within this area and you will be registered to attend the two days event free of charge.

Information about travelling to Southampton and accommodation options during the conference will be available shortly at www.creative-campus.org.uk

To keep informed about updates on the website and future initiatives in this area, register to the Higher Education and the Creative Economy mailing list