Mango Creative Studio - Blog
Are we moving from a digital age into an information age?
That is a question I recently asked government representative Ben Bradshaw at the cabinet forum.
Recently I was invited by the British Council to attend the c&binet forum in Hertfordshire, which brought together business leaders from across the creative and finance industries to discuss finance for creative industries, new business models for online content, developing talent and securing creative rights. Here are some of the related topics of debate.
An opening speech from the prime minister set the tone for a prestigious debate on digital Britain. Throughout the event, the panel (including David Rowan, editor of Wired and Neil Berkett, CEO of Virgin Media) discussed the economic climate, having identified that other industries are looking to the creative industry for new business models. But how do they expect creatives to lead the way with certain restrictions (such as the ordnance survey holding back postcode data) preventing the sector from flourishing?
Digital agencies and businesses similar to ourselves at Mango Studio are now being told refocus and concentrate on product investment, distribution, marketing and contacts. However it is the government that needs to listen to us creatives and work at the same speed. They must move fast on issues such as P2P, which is causing everyone problems when distributing journalism, media and music. Despite the music industry being in fantastic shape with colossal demand and supply, they need to educate those responsible through providing a clear solution to current consumer behaviour. [update: 25.11.09 - digital economy bill]
With Mango Studio now embarking on a clear road map for future development of our digital business, it was interesting to see a rather un-diverse panel judge the future of digital Britain. Their tolerance remains impartial to a non-sustainable model and I personally hope they work together, listen to our views and move quickly to allow us creatives to flourish on an international scale. Overall it was a fantastic conference, a great first experience and my thanks go to the British Council. And in answer to my question, “yes, quite possibly”.
Vinnie Morgan, MD.
