A Systematic Review of Competitiveness Factors in Creative and Cultural Industries

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Prof., Department of Business, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Prof., Department of Business, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.

4 MSc. Student, Department of Business, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/mmr.2025.384110.1122

Abstract

Objective
Creative and cultural industries (CCIs) have emerged as vital drivers of economic growth, cultural enrichment, and social cohesion, capturing the attention of researchers, policymakers, and businesses worldwide. In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and increasing globalization, understanding the factors that underpin the competitiveness of CCIs is paramount for fostering sustainable development and securing a competitive advantage. This study addresses this pressing need by systematically identifying the determinants of competitiveness within CCIs, thereby bridging a significant research gap in the field. The primary aim is to develop a comprehensive framework for analyzing and enhancing CCI competitiveness, offering insights into both internal capabilities and external environmental factors that contribute to their success.
Research Methodology
Recognizing the fragmented nature of existing research on CCI competitiveness, a rigorous systematic review methodology was employed to synthesize the available evidence. The review process adhered to the PRISMA-S guidelines, ensuring transparency, replicability, and methodological rigor. An initial search identified 2092 potentially relevant articles, which were then subjected to a multi-stage screening process based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This meticulous screening resulted in the selection of 54 articles that met the quality standards and were deemed most relevant to the research question. The selected articles were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, a qualitative method that enables researchers to identify, organize, and interpret patterns of meaning within a body of text. This approach facilitated the extraction of key themes related to CCI competitiveness, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the factors driving success in these industries. The reflexive nature of the analysis involved ongoing reflection and refinement of the themes, ensuring that the findings accurately reflected the complexities of the data.
Findings
The thematic analysis of the 54 selected articles yielded a rich and multi-faceted understanding of CCI competitiveness. The analysis identified 59 basic themes, which were subsequently organized into 26 organizing themes and 8 overarching global themes. These global themes represent the core dimensions of CCI competitiveness, encompassing a wide range of factors that influence their performance in the global marketplace. The identified global themes include: (1) specialized cultural human resources, emphasizing the importance of skilled and creative talent; (2) marketing, branding, and cultural identity, highlighting the role of effective communication and unique brand positioning; (3) strategy and management in CCIs, focusing on leadership, organizational structure, and strategic decision-making; (4) creative technologies, underscoring the importance of innovation and technology adoption; (5) conditions of CCIs, encompassing market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and competitive landscapes; (6) CCI infrastructure, emphasizing the availability of physical and digital infrastructure; (7) creative economy and dynamic revenue generation, focusing on sustainable business models and diversified revenue streams; and (8) government support and cultural policies, highlighting the role of public sector initiatives in fostering CCI growth.
Discussion & Conclusion
This research provides a valuable framework for analyzing and enhancing the competitiveness of CCIs, offering insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers alike. The findings underscore the need for a holistic and multi-dimensional approach to fostering competitiveness in these industries, recognizing the interplay between internal capabilities and external environmental factors. Based on the results, strengthening CCI competitiveness requires a concerted effort to: (1) Invest in the development of specialized cultural human resources through education, training, and skills development programs; (2) Implement effective marketing and branding strategies that leverage cultural identity and create unique brand positioning; (3) Foster strategic management practices that promote innovation, adaptability, and long-term sustainability; (4) Encourage the adoption of creative technologies to enhance production processes, distribution channels, and audience engagement; (5) Create enabling conditions for CCIs by addressing market challenges, streamlining regulatory frameworks, and fostering a competitive landscape; (6) Develop robust CCI infrastructure, including physical spaces, digital platforms, and support services; (7) Promote the development of creative economies and dynamic revenue generation models that diversify income streams and ensure financial sustainability; (8) Implement supportive government policies and cultural initiatives that foster CCI growth, promote cultural diversity, and stimulate economic activity. Future research should focus on exploring the dynamic relationships between these factors and investigating the specific strategies that CCIs can employ to enhance their competitiveness in different contexts. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine the long-term impacts of various interventions and policies on CCI competitiveness. Additionally, comparative studies across different countries and regions can provide valuable insights into the factors that drive success in diverse cultural and economic environments.
 

Keywords

References

 
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Media Management Review
Volume 3, Issue 4
2024
Pages 37-70

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