European Commission presentation on Creative Industries

David gave a European Commission presentation at a meeting on the creative industries in Belgium.

David’s European Commission presentation focused on creative entrepreneurship and business skills for creative entrepreneurs. The title was “Skills at the Crossroads between Creative Sectors and Industry”.

European Commission presentation

In his presentation, David reported on his experience in Europe and worldwide, working with  creative enterprises to help them to become even more successful by using smart business techniques that fit with their values and objectives.

David’s European Commission presentation included references to:

– Projects in Liverpool, UK to create jobs in the creative industries, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), for example the Creative Growth Initiative project.

– A successful job-creation programme in County Donegal, Ireland. David worked with 20+ creative and digital enterprises over 24 months, with meetings in Ireland complemented by video calls and online support. The Generate Programme also helped businesses to increase exports.

– Business guides written especially for creative entrepreneurs, such as David’s book ‘T-Shirts and Suits: A Guide to the Business of Creativity’, which has been published in translations in 13 countries and is available as a free eBook in English.

– Video based online training courses for cultural and creative industries managers, funded by the European Union and delivered through the EU-Eastern Partnership Culture and Creativity Programme.

Videos about creative business models and specifically the EU funded WORTH Partnership Programme, where David delivered a Masterclass: “How to be a Successful Creative Entrepreneur”, which is published online as a video.

– A range of free creative business development resources published on David’s website to help creative industries in Europe and worldwide to develop and grow their enterprises successfully.

“Toolbox Naranja”: a selection of David’s business development writings translated into Spanish, including his two book, articles and book extracts, plus a video and other information. This was inspired by his work in Colombia and the “Economia Naranja” (“Orange Economy”) initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Creative Hubs in Europe and elsewhere in which David has worked with creative industries businesses.


He was invited by Anna Athanasopoulou, Head of Unit at the European Commission, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing: Tourism, Emerging Economies and Creative Industries.

Anna Athanasopoulou chaired the meeting and other European Commission staff attending included Silvia Draghi, Ingrid Rones and Milosz Momot.

Other participants included:

Bernd Fesel. European Creative Business Network (ECBN)

Paivi Tahkokallio. BEDA – Bureau of European Design Associations

Leslie Holden. Amsterdam Fashion Institute

Elisabetta Lazzaro. University of Utrecht

Fotis Filippopoulos

Nelly HAYEK. Creative Cluster Innovation Hub

Michela Magas. Stromatolite

Isabel Berz. IED-Istituto Europeo di Design – Moda Lab Madrid

Eva Leemet. Creative Estonia (CE)

Ami Hasan. Art Directors Club of Europe, ADCE

Benjamin Neyt.European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA)

Charlotte Keesing. European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA)

Alexandra LAMBERT. MAD BRUSSELS Brussels fashion and design platform

Anna Valtonen. Aalto University

Lisa Lang. ElektroCouture

Paola Bertola. Politecnico di Milano

Johanna Suo. IFA-Laboratory

Jean Paternotte. MAD Incubator