International interest in the creative industries of Estonia and the Nordic countries is remarkable. Both Estonia and the Nordic countries have been repeatedly presented as success stories in the European Union, since in spite of their size they have successfully brought together their rich cultural scene with technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
“For example the Nordic Game Program, which was launched by the Nordic Council of Ministers, has resulted in growth in turnover in the Finnish computer game industry from 40 million euros in 2004 to 2 billion euros in 2015,” said Grete Kodi, an adviser with the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia. “There are almost 260 companies in Finland that work with computer games, employing around 2500 people.” Nordic cooperation has also given rise to the Nordic music export programme NOMEX, while the Nordic Film and TV Fund has contributed to the region’s music and film industry becoming a global player.
The Creative Entrepreneurship Academy programme includes lectures by internationally recognised specialists, practical workshops and study visits in Tallinn and Helsinki designed to expand the international network.
The keynote speaker at the event will be Charles Landry, the man behind the creative city concept, who could be called a living legend of cultural policy and the creative industry. He has written a number of books and articles on the role of culture and creativity in the development of cities.
Contributing to the running of the academy’s Finnish programme will be Aalto University professor Peter Kelly, an internationally renowned lecturer and trainer on creative entrepreneurship. He has previously worked as an investment banker and as a promoter of business angel networks.
The Estonians who will be sharing their experience with the guest speakers from abroad will be Tallinn Music Week director Helen Sildna, designer Stella Soomlais and tourism developer Ott Sarapuu from Enterprise Estonia.
A more detailed description of the academy and information on the programme, speakers and more can be found here.
The Creative Entrepreneurship Academy was launched by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia and the Creativity Lab in association with the Estonian Business School. The academy forms part of the Creative Business Cup network, which links key players in the creative industries around the world.