Development of an operating model and partnerships for the culture and creative industries accelerator (CCI)

Problem

This project is a continuation of the project “Development of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) Acceleration Program”. 

Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) combine culture and creativity with economic returns and create added value for cities and regions.​ 

The growth of the number of enterprises in the CCI sector in Lithuania was one of the fastest in the entire European Union (more than 10 percent) in the period from 2008 to 2016.​ 

According to the data of the Lithuanian Statistics Department, in 2019 CCI sector in Lithuania accounted for 2.2% of GDP, and in 2025 it is aimed to reach 3% of GDP. 

Talking about creators in Lithuania, only 20.85% (one fifth) of creators gain sufficient funds for living out of their creative activities. Also, 57% of artists have never received support from private sponsors, and in 2019 only 13% of artists indicated that a part of their income comes from funds from private sponsors. Regarding the export of Lithuanian CCI, almost 60% of creators in 2019 never presented their work abroad.  

2021-2027 an acceleration program focused on the CCI sector is being developed and will be implemented for the first time in Lithuania with the funds of the EU fund investment program. 

Accelerator – a program mostly intended for business – an intensive training, consulting and mentoring course that brings companies (mostly startups) together with investors and is focused on business development, networking. 

The Lithuanian CCI accelerator aims to promote the efficiency of the Lithuanian CCI sector, the creation of innovations, the monetization of culture, dissemination and social impact, increasing the access of Lithuanian CCI to private investments and the global market, increasing the awareness of Lithuanian CCI products and services both within the country and abroad. 

Goal

The purpose of this project is to refine the operating model of the CCI accelerator, the content of activities, the desired results, to find the missing partners for each activity of the accelerator, to refine their functions and responsibilities. Also, to include investors, businessmen in the discussion, to hear their comments, what prevents Lithuanian investors and businessmen from investing in the products and services of the Lithuanian CCI, why Lithuanian businessmen and investors see the CCI as a risky, unprofitable and perhaps only an area worthy of support. 

Participants

2022/23

Akvilė Žilionytė