Assessment of Integrated Review: Emergence of a Subtle Influence Strategy?
The Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) has been actively engaging in shaping the future of the UK's media landscape, co-authoring a submission to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Select Committee inquiry into the future of Channel 4.
In a significant move, the UK Government's Integrated Review outlines strategies for leveraging the country's soft power through its creative industries. The Review recognises the importance of the creative economy, encompassing art, music, film, theatre, television, games, and heritage, as a key element in promoting the UK's influence abroad, enhancing diplomacy, and projecting values internationally.
Key strategic elements include the promotion of cultural exports and international collaboration, recognising the economic and diplomatic value of these sectors, supporting innovation within the creative economy, and encouraging networks that amplify the collective power and reach of creative workers internationally. The aim is to leverage the UK's creative industries not only as economic drivers but also as vital instruments of soft power, helping to project influence and establish cultural connections worldwide.
The Integrated Review also highlights the UK's strength in cultural and creative industries as a 'soft power superpower'. To capitalise on this, the PEC has suggested the funding of an AI and Creative Industries Centre to capitalise on the UK's strong positions in the creative industries and AI research.
The Review includes commitments to invest £150 million in the Creative Industries Sector Deal, increase economy-wide R&D investment, and provide funding for cultural and sporting excellence. Additionally, the PEC has recommended developing a small creative industries and soft power briefing unit and adding a standing item on culture and the creative industries to the annual ambassadors conference.
The PEC's submissions have also responded to various consultations, including the DCMS consultation on 'A change of ownership of Channel 4 Television Corporation', the DCMS Committee 'Cultural Placemaking and the Levelling Up Agenda', and the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee's inquiry "A creative future". The PEC has also made a submission to the DCMS Committee inquiry Promoting Britain Abroad and responded to the Integrated Review: A new era of soft power?.
The PEC's work extends beyond the UK's borders, as it has submitted a response to the Competition and Markets Authority's proposed study 'Music and streaming market'. The PEC also recently submitted a representation to the Autumn Spending Review.
The Integrated Review offers a broad direction for the UK's foreign policy, but its success will depend on how it influences the work of departments across Government and keeps culture and the creative industries central to the conversation. The Review also recognises the connection between soft power and immigration policy, particularly in terms of cultural exchange and retaining international students.
In conclusion, the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre plays a crucial role in shaping the UK's soft power strategy, advocating for the integration of culture and the creative industries in foreign policy, and supporting the growth and global competitiveness of these sectors.
- The Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) has been instrumental in shaping the UK's future media landscape, co-authoring a submission on Channel 4.
- The UK Government's Integrated Review highlights the importance of the creative economy, which includes arts, music, and heritage, as a soft power tool for promoting the country's influence globally.
- The Review emphasizes the need for strategies that promote cultural exports, international collaboration, and innovation within the creative economy.
- Recognizing the UK's strength in creative industries and AI research, the PEC has proposed the funding of an AI and Creative Industries Centre.
- Commitments have been made to invest in the Creative Industries Sector Deal, increase R&D investment, and fund cultural and sporting excellence.
- The PEC has responded to several consultations, including those on Channel 4 ownership, cultural placemaking, the creative future, and promoting Britain abroad.
- The PEC has also submitted responses to the Competition and Markets Authority's study on music and streaming market and the Autumn Spending Review.
- The success of the Integrated Review depends on its ability to influence government departments and keep culture and the creative industries at the forefront of foreign policy discussions.
- The Review acknowledges the connection between soft power and immigration policy, particularly in terms of cultural exchange and retaining international students.
- In summary, the PEC is crucial in shaping the UK's soft power strategy, integrating culture and the creative industries into foreign policy, and supporting the growth and global competitiveness of these sectors.
