How do creative professionals earn their money? That is, simply stated, the main question in the research project titled ‘Creative Business Models’. From January 2007 until October 2007 Knowledgeland will be studying the added value of creativity and unravel business models behind successful creative products. Why has the iPod become a tremendous global success? Is there a role for design in the explanation of IKEA’s long-standing hit-cupboard ‘Billy’? Are there no smarter ways for creative professionals to make money than just writing fees for the number of hours of work? Questions like these have triggered the curiosity we needed to start this research project. Besides, way too often we are confronted with the idea that creative industries have to look at other industries to learn how to do business properly. We strongly feel that question could just as well be asked the other way around. Which smart business solutions have creative industries thought of that other industries can learn of?

‘Creative Business Models’ consists of a general (international) module and a number of in-depth case studies of business models behind successful creative products. In November we will publish the results of the research. The publication will be available in English. The research project was initiated by Knowledgeland and Premsela, Dutch Design Foundation. The project can be carried out with the support of the Dutch ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and the Dutch ministry of Economic Affairs. During the project, an interdisciplinary group of academic experts will advise the research team.

As from February 2007, we will discuss proceedings on a regular basis on a special section on this weblog. If you like to have more information about the project, you are kindly invited to contact the project manager: Martijn Arnoldus, ma@kl.nl.