Culmination of Creative Business Program – A catalyst for innovation and growth in Finnish creative industries
As the Creative Business Finland (CBF) program draws to a close on December 31, having successfully boosted the creative sector and integrated creative know-how into various business sectors.
Unleashing Creativity's Impact
Creativity plays a significant role in innovations and to an enhanced understanding of customers, user experiences, and holistic brand perceptions. This cross-disciplinary skill generates lasting value, and the CBF program has been a pioneer in bringing traditional business together with the creative industries. The program has also made visible, how creative sector in Finland with a turnover of nearly 14 Billion euros plays a significant role in economic growth.
Program Highlights
Innovation funding for the creative industries
The CBF program, operated as a part of the Sustainable Growth Program for Finland’s EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The RRF funding was targeted at different themes, that have impact within the creative industries (such as promotion of creative content as a service, utilization of creative services within different industries and CreaTech). Other Business Finland’s funding services were also used to fund projects carried out by companies and research organizations. The funded projects aim to revolutionize customer experiences through digital solutions, showcasing innovative thinking in product development and business approaches.
Boosting creative business by building connections and networks
Recognizing the synergy of collaboration, the CBF program has actively facilitated meaningful connections within the creative ecosystem – both in Finland and within international ecosystems. Companies participating in the program have formed strategic partnerships, exchanged ideas, and collectively elevated the creative landscape. In example in the Shine events organized in the Spring 2023 gathering together 200 professionals, acted as a platform where companies found partners that will result in the creation of international success stories.
Growth Deal for creative industries: building a foundation for growth
Introducing a new model of dialogue and cooperation between the public and private sectors. The Growth Deal has been a focal point of the program, first as a pilot in the audiovisual sector, then proceeding to other digital content types and also in the field of branded textile and fashion. The drafting of the Growth Deal for the audiovisual industry commenced in an open public event on April 20, 2022, and a pilot operating model was successfully completed in August 2022.
Insights and visions for the future
A key objective of the program has been to equip creative companies with the necessary insights and data to foster international growth. Reports and studies such as the report of the Current State of the Finnish Creative Industries, Finnish audiovisual roadmap, and Licensing Ecosystem have played a pivotal role in achieving this objective. CBF has also funded and supported Creative Finland, a media and network platform offering an insight into Finland’s creative economy.
Additionally a large number of other actions were taken such as
- supporting regional decision makers in incorporating creative know-how as part of strategies
- supporting business advisors in their work with the creative companies, in inspiring the establishment of highly functional creative hubs
- supporting sustainability aspect within the creative sector
- and in piloting new approaches (such as design transformations within companies and increasing the competence level of company boards)
A celebration of achievements
As the CBF program concludes, we extend our gratitude to all the companies and other stakeholders that have been part of this transformative journey. Your contributions have been instrumental in enhancing the Finnish creative industries, and the impact of your work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the future of creative industries.
Continuing Services for Creative Industry Companies
All program materials will remain accessible
CBF Program shifts to facilitate the development of competitive advantages to companies within the creative industries and beyond. Business Finland’s experts are at your service also in the future in the scope of the creative industries.
