He reviewed characteristics of the creative industry and the interplay between commercial and expressive value in the sector.
In a report with theme: “An Exploration of the Creative Industry and Technology”, which explores the role of intellectual property, and analyzes the impact of technology on various creative domains, he described the creative industry as a dynamic and multifaceted sector, which encompasses a diverse array of activities ranging from visual and performing arts to film, design, and technology.
He said unlike traditional industries with clearly defined boundaries, the creative industry is characterized by its fluidity and constant evolution.
“It involves the generation and commercialization of creativity, ideas, knowledge, and information. However, to be considered a true component of the creative industry, an idea or product must possess two essential qualities such as the ability to generate revenue or profit through sales or services as well as the capacity to convey cultural significance, communicate meaning, and reflect societal values or identity,” he said.
According to Falegan, both commercial and expressive values are vital for a thriving creative industry. He explained that commercial value ensures the sustainability and economic viability of creative endeavors, while expressive value provides a deeper sense of purpose and contributes to cultural enrichment.
He said creative outputs, such as music, art, and film, are often subjective and driven by originality, making it challenging to define and protect their economic value, adding that intellectual property (IP) rights play a crucial role in safeguarding these works, granting creators exclusive control over their use, distribution, and monetization.
He said that IP protection is essential for the creative industry because it grants exclusive rights to creators, IP encourages continued investment in new ideas and creative expression.
The IP allows creators to earn a living from their work through licensing, royalties, and other revenue-generating mechanisms; IP rights help prevent unauthorized use and ensure that creators maintain control over how their work is used and disseminated and strong IP protection attracts investment in creative industries, promoting growth and development.
“In essence, intellectual property rights are the foundation of a sustainable and thriving creative industry, ensuring that creators are recognized and rewarded for their ingenuity and artistic contributions,” he said.
He further stated that the creative economy extends beyond the traditional confines of the creative industry.
“While the creative industry encompasses sectors with creativity at their core (e.g., film, music, design), the creative economy encompasses the entire creative workforce, regardless of their industry. This includes individuals employed in sectors not typically considered “creative” who nonetheless engage in creative work and generate creative outputs,” he said.
According to the British Council’s A creative and cultural economy series, the creative economy, an introductory guide, referencing a 2008 report by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) titled Beyond the creative industries: Mapping the creative economy in the UK, concluded that more creative people work outside the creative industries than inside them.
This phenomenon, termed “embedded creative employment,” underscores the widespread integration of creativity across the modern economy. For instance, a graphic designer employed by a manufacturing company or an architect working for a real estate firm contributes to the creative economy through their creative outputs, even though they operate outside the traditional creative industry.
Falegan said that to illustrate further, a filmmaker producing a movie within the entertainment industry belongs to the creative industry. “A software designer creating user interfaces for a bank, while contributing to the creative economy through their creative output, is not part of the creative industry,” he said.
According to him, this distinction highlights the expansive role and the broader impact of creativity on economic activity. The creative economy recognizes that creativity is not confined to specific sectors but is an essential driver of innovation and value creation across various industries.
“Technology has democratized creativity, empowering anyone to create and share their work with the world. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok allow artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach global audiences. This has opened up new revenue streams for creative entrepreneurs, enabling them to connect directly with fans through crowdfunding, online marketplaces, and independent music distribution,” he said.
“However, this technological revolution also presents challenges. Copyright infringement remains a major concern in the digital age. The rise of AI-generated art raises questions about authorship, ownership, and the very nature of creativity. Social media algorithms can shape artistic trends and potentially stifle originality. And the rapid pace of technological change makes digital preservation a constant challenge,” he said.
“Technology is not just a tool for creativity; it’s an essential force driving its evolution. As technology continues to advance, we must critically examine its impact on the creative landscape and ensure that it empowers both artists and audiences. How will AI shape the future of art? Will virtual reality revolutionize storytelling? And how can we ensure that technology fosters a diverse and inclusive creative ecosystem? These are the questions we must grapple with as we navigate the ever-evolving relationship between technology and creativity,” he stated.