Symbolic Knowledge and Knowledge Networks in Creative Industries: Graphic Design in Malmö

Abstract: Abstract: Creative industries are characterised by their reliance on a constant stream of new ideas which is the lifeblood of their business. As such, understanding the role of knowledge dynamics in creative industries is key to assessing how the region they are situated in can contribute to providing the best conditions for that sector to thrive and in turn boost the region's overall competitiveness. A major development in analysing the knowledge needs of different industries has been the knowledge base theory, however there is till some lack of clarity when applying this approach to creative industries in, particularly in terms of it implications for spatial dynamics. As a part of newly created cross-border region and a city that has experienced a rapid change in fortunes over the last decade, Malmö in southern Sweden has some excellent condition for growing a thriving creative industries hub. So what are the factors at play for the knowledge needs of creative industries in this region and what can they tell us about the suitability of a knowledge base approach in this context?