Extensive research at the level of individual analysis shows a link between people's values, beliefs and behaviors, making it possible that differences in the cultures in which these values and beliefs are embedded can influence a wide range of behaviors, including the decision to be self-employed rather than to work for others or to simply use culture as a means of new and innovative ventures. (Entrepreneurship and Culture, n.d.)
iIt is important to begin by defining what it means to be a cultural entrepreneur. These entrepreneurs are change agents and resourceful visionaries who organize financial, social and human capital to generate revenue from cultural activity. Their innovative solutions result in economically sustainable enterprises that improve livelihoods and create cultural value and wealth for both creative producers and consumers of culture services and products. (Laopodi, 2014) Example of this are the art festivals and craft exhibition organized in various cities around the world.
This nascent spirit, which also reveals a wide diversity among countries and even regions, helps local governments to achieve economic growth and consequently the promotion of new startups in the country's cultural environment. This makes cultural entrepreneurship a win-win situation as even in the midst of an economic recession, the demand for cultural content, brands and experiences is booming. (Tullin, 2012)
With almost 50% of the world's population living in cities (around 3 billion people), 'citysumers', (Tullin, 2012) as they have been called, tend to be more adventurous and voracious for these cultural experiences, and with the rise of technology and digitization has also accelerated the process in which entrepreneurs can share their activities with the public.
The marriage of culture, technology and entrepreneurship is where some of the world's best ideas emerge. Current levels of innovation in each of these individual sectors are rapid, but bringing them together makes the opportunities grow vastly.
Eduardo Orellana Soto |
