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POLICY CLINIC – CREATIVE SPACE

FOR CROSS INNOVATION

Warsaw, 20 - 21 March 2013

Report

Prepared by dr Mirosław Grochowski for the City of Warsaw

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Introduction

There are four key policy themes of the Cross Innovation project:

1. Smart incentives – finance,

2. Culture based innovation – unleashing new ideas into other businesses,

3. Brokerage services – bridge building, and

4. Spatial – cross collaboration services in co-working spaces, incubators, fab labs &

science parks.

The Policy Clinic organized in Warsaw on March 20 and March 21 2013 was devoted to

Spaces for Cross Innovation – spaces that offer opportunities for different kinds of

cooperation among creative individuals and firms.

From the perspective of urban policy making the urban space might be considered in four

dimensions:

i) as a location for functions and activities,

ii) as an urban asset that has impact on city’s attractiveness and development potential,

iii) as a symbolic value embedded in urban physical fabric that contributes to its cultural

environment, and

iv) as a product resulted from development policies, offered to different users.

In the case of creative spaces all dimensions should be perceived as important for attracting

and development of creative sector and for establishment of appropriate environment for

cross innovation.

The Policy Clinic consisted of two parts: in the first part participants of the Policy Clinic

visited three places – examples of the creative spaces where cross-innovations were

promoted; in the second part, workshop type activities took place with presentations by

participants and discussions on how creative spaces operate / are used and established via

public policies and / or by spontaneous actions undertaken.

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Goal of the Policy Clinic

The goals of the Policy Clinic in Warsaw were as follows:

To discuss and assess situation on the market of creative space in three cities:

Amsterdam, Linz and Warsaw,

To identify features that make creative space attractive for users, useful and

supporting cross-innovation,

To identify the role of public authorities in supporting establishment and

development of creative spaces,

To work out recommendations for cities development policies that support both

establishment of creative spaces and cross innovation practices.

To reach above goals the participants of the Policy Clinic were supposed to answer and

address, among others, questions and issues related to:

Creative space users: who uses this space currently? and most often? are there any groups

that need this space but don’t have access to it? what groups of current / potential users are

likely to increase / decrease in the future? what are professional profiles of users? what

industries do current users represent?

User needs: what functions do spaces currently perform? what other functions should they

perform? which functions are the most important to the users? which functions are

currently not performed and which are important now and might be important in the

future? what attracts users?

Evaluation of existing spaces: what kinds of creative spaces are offered? do they meet

needs? what is missing? what users currently like about the space most? what users

currently complain about most? who initiates formation of creative spaces?

Ideal space for cross-innovation: what kind of space is needed to stimulate cross-innovation?

who will be using this space? what features should the ideal space for cross-innovation

have? who should be engaged in the creation of creative spaces? how should creative spaces

be financed?

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Proceedings of the Policy Clinic

During the first day, three creative spaces were visited: Soho Factory – located close to the

center of Warsaw and owned by a private property owner; location of start-ups in the

creative sector; attractive location in post-industrial area, surrounded by housing functions

of neglected Praga district; Noa Cowork – space established to support development of

working community, where people do not only work for themselves but also can assist each

other and provide each other with their expertise; Business Link in the Zebra Tower – in the

center of Warsaw; concentration of start-ups established to reach a synergy; also to support

start-ups via expertise provided by Business Link.

Visits to these creative spaces allowed to introduce briefly the participants of the Policy

Clinic participants to the problems of creative spaces specifically and creative sector

development in Warsaw generally.

The workshop part of the Policy Clinic started on 21 April 2013 with morning session

devoted to the introduction to the general theme of the Policy Clinic, details of the agenda

and logistics. The role of space for cross innovation was outlined and presentations by

representatives of Amsterdam, Linz and Warsaw were given. Then, two workshop sessions

took place: the first one covered issues of creative space users and assessment of spatial

assets of the three cities; the second session covered issues of modelling spaces for cross

innovation, role of different actors in this process, and recommendations for policy makers.

In the introductory presentation by the Warsaw’s academic analyst it was pointed out that

the cross innovation takes different forms. Cross innovation is embedded in creative and

innovative products i.e. goods, services and might be identified as a result and at the same

time as an added value of cooperation among different creative firms. Products and results

might be instrumental in searching cooperation fields and ways of its implementation.

Analysis of a nature of cooperation network and chain of creative production may lead to

identification of factors crucial for effective cross innovation and worth replicating.

From the perspective of dynamics of cross innovation and actors involved in it one may

distinguish cross innovation as a spontaneous activity, which is composed of both informal

and formal arrangements bringing together different actors. Spontaneous activities meet

needs of creative sector providing missing elements of connections between individuals and

firms. Guided activities are results of institutional, organizational, and managerial

arrangements. These activities are codified in terms of rules that determine mechanism of

implementing the development policy, focused on the creative sector.

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Cross innovation shall be understood as a multi-dimensional process of exchange, that is

crucial in production of a creative output. Cross innovation is present in all production stages

i.e. design phase, development phase, and delivery phase. Cross innovation is determined by

social and cultural factors and might be treated as social phenomenon that is important in

mobilization of endogenous cities’ potential and plays a role of a driver. Existence of creative

space supports cross innovation since physical / geographic concentration facilitates

contacts among firms. Other attributes might be also ascribed to a place making it more

attractive creative space. In the era of electronic media physical space is accompanied by

virtual space broadening networks and opening new markets for creative products and

services.

Presentations given during the first session were based on case studies from Amsterdam,

Linz and Warsaw. They illustrated what kind of creative spaces are available and how they

operate. In this context process of their establishment was described with emphasis on the

role of different actors and changes in their relationships over time, that was both brought

and reflected in urban development policies. The attention was focused on different possible

scenarios of involvement of these actors (public and private) and mechanisms (legal

arrangements, negotiations, debates) that lead to reaching consensus on use of specific

space for the creative sector purposes.

During the second session specific types of creative spaces were discussed from the

perspective of experience of participants from Amsterdam, Linz and Warsaw, concerning

questions and issues outlined above.

Specific features of creative spaces

Co-working spaces

Co-working spaces are not dedicated to any specific users group. Co-working spaces might

be homes for different types of individuals and firms. It depends on specific local conditions,

that have impact on needs concerning this type of space. However, heterogeneous group of

users increases, at least theoretically, potential of specific space for cross-innovation. At the

same time more homogenous group of users offer, via cross innovation, new opportunities

for development of products and services because of interactions that stimulate

competition. Diversity of cross innovation relationships that is determined by characteristics

of co-working space, does not necessarily have impact on the final product.

From the city wide perspective quality of specific co-working spaces as well as networks of

co-working spaces are important. Functional specialization my occur. Then facilitation of

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contacts and networking is an important task of animators of creative environment including

public authorities. In case of all three cities existing successful co-working spaces were

established because of a strong need and visions of their creators. Co-working spaces make

take different forms, depending on users’ preferences and needs related to types of

conducted activities.

Fab-labs

These types of spaces are not very common. Although the concept is known and such spaces

are believed to play an important role in cross innovation, their establishment brings

necessity of financial investments (costs of equipment). That is the reason why the supply of

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these kind of spaces is still limited. However, there are examples that the barrier of costs

might be overcome. The effective instrument is cooperation with industry sector, which

might be willing to support fab-labs through donation of equipment and / or subsidies or

grants.

Incubators

There are different types of incubator, including “virtual incubators”. Incubation of a product

may take place in different environment, not necessarily in physical space specially arranged

for this goal. Incubator might be perceived as a specific type of co-working space. What

makes incubator different from co-working space is its institutional surrounding, which is

characterized by strong connection with other sectors of economy. This strong connection

enables easier commercialization of creative products.

Science parks

This type of space is dedicated predominantly for SMSEs. The need for science parks results

from existence of creative individual and creative groups looking for no-corporate working

environment. However, because of different development potential of firms, depending on

their size and volume of production, links between SMSEs and big firms are important for

development of the creative sector. Thus, big firms are also part of science parks’ landscape.

Science parks are home for specific groups of users: mainly firms from high-tech sector. They

offer environment where products might be developed and prepared to enter a market.

They also function using mechanism of financing based on good working relationships

between different users: researchers, investors, producers, other business partners that are

vital for running projects dedicated to design, development and delivery of new products.

Creative spaces and cross innovation

The workshop provided evidences that every type of creative space possesses specific

features and offers unique working environment. The nature of working environment

depends predominantly on initial assumption for the creative space establishment.

However, this environment is also shaped by the space’s users. Creative space with specific

features might be transformed and adapted by users to their needs (needs of groups and

individuals). The process of transformation and adaptation results from the lack of

acceptance of current space’s status (usually quality) or is triggered by changing needs of

users. Transformation and adaptation create added value of creative spaces. These

processes result from and contribute, at the same time, to integration of creative

community and may support and promote cross innovation. Thus, the space plays very

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important role in development of creative sector. From the discussions and presentations

one may draw conclusion that creative space supports cross innovation when:

The space is attractive because of its offer (services for creative firms, groups, or

individuals),

The space is attractive because of users located in it (as it was described in the report

the number of users and types of their activities determine possibilities of cross

innovation),

The space is designed and developed from the very beginning with idea of cross

innovation, not just place of location / concentration of creative firms,

The space is a living one – the space is changing due to the needs, expectations, and

preferences of users; ongoing changes open space for new users,

Spatial arrangements encourage social interactions,

The space supports integration of users and is open for new ones.

Creative space might be a trademark for different creative products and for the city itself. It

may contribute to building the city’s image and be considered as a prestigious and desired

location, which has direct impact on the city’s attractiveness. These facts shall be

acknowledged by the city authorities. The role of quality of urban space is equally, or even

more important, than other factors that have impact on location of functions and activities.

The same concerns cross innovation – the creative space is a necessity for cross innovation

and factor stimulating development of the creative sector.

Tabakfabrik in Linz – and old factory devoted by the authorities to creative sector

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Basic mechanisms of creative spaces establishment

There are several factors that have had and still have impact on establishment of creative

spaces. Among them are:

o changes in local urban economies related to changes that take place at the global,

national and / or regional scale,

o situation on real estate market,

o evolving approach to dealing with urban development problems,

o evolving approach to urban renewal,

o changing role of urban planning,

o new modes of local economies organization,

o freelancers boom.

Establishment of creative spaces is a response to increased demand generated by factors

listed above. Post-industrial economies based on knowledge require specific spaces that,

among others, facilitate cross innovation. Creative spaces offer not just physical space

arranged according to users’ needs: they also offer activities supporting functioning of

creative firms. Establishment of creative spaces brings development incentives to urban

economies and is important part of multi-dimensional urban renewal. The success of

undertakings that shall lead to establishment of creative spaces depend to a large extent on

policy makers who should have visions for creative spaces development resulting from

understanding and appreciation of their potential for cities.

Creativity is ambitious driven and depends on working out a right culture of cooperation

among different actors present on urban scene. Cooperation has not only economic

dimension and reasons. A substance of co-working is an important factor that contributes to

increased demand for creative spaces. They are new elements of urban ecosystems.

Based on experience of the three cities represented during the workshop one may conclude

that:

The level of development of the creative spaces market depends on the creative sector

development advancement in a specific city. The more developed creative sector the better

developed creative spaces. Amsterdam and Linz have a differentiated offer of creative

spaces and mechanisms that support their functioning financially and via different types of

services that enable cross innovation. Warsaw has made a progress compared to situation

from last 5-7 years, but is still looking for a formula of creative space model, that will secure

their efficient functioning.

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The category of creative spaces shall not be limited to these spaces where creative

production / activities are located. Public spaces in the city might be also perceived as

creative spaces in many cases. They enable social interactions, provide opportunities for

presentations and promotion of creative sector products, they also may stimulate creative

thinking through contacts with inspiring environment.

Establishment and functioning of creative spaces depend on urban policy concerning

development of creative sector. Creative spaces must be an important part of this policy.

Supply of creative spaces plays crucial role in supporting development of creative sector. It

will eventually stimulate demand for creative products.

Customized solutions have to be developed to meet needs of creative sector in terms of

provision of creative spaces. Examples from Warsaw prove that the natural process of

creative spaces establishment may bring, in a long term perspective, better results than

planned activities, supervised and guided by public authorities. This is important message for

policy makers and argument to conduct in-depth studies in order to better understand what

spaces are needed and for what purposes. It seems that more attention should be paid to

creative spaces. Their role in development for creative sector and development of the city

itself is underestimated.

Creative Hub in Warsaw – one of the first coworking spaces in the city and now also an

agency

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Model like creative space

Successful spaces are established by their future users. These spaces are customized to meet

not only technical requirements but also to follow other needs and preferences of the users.

Spaces are created in the process in which different actors are involved. Transparency and

participation are needed to make sure that all voices are heard.

Creative space is a flexible space that might be adopted to changing needs of users. Spaces

available in the three cities are usually spaces that are either dedicated to a wide or specific

group of users. The model like space for cross innovation should not be dedicated to specific

sectors.

There are three main guidelines concerning establishment of creative space supporting cross

innovation:

Tailor made,

Created to evolve,

With offer anticipating changing needs of users.

Main findings and recommendations resulting from the Policy Clinic

Establishment of creative spaces and their use for cross innovation are important factors for

functioning of creative sector and for urban economies in the local and city’s scales. Where

and what types of creative spaces are located depends on vision and goals of the city

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development. It is a question of urban development plans and ways of management how

city’s space is used to support creative sector. The urban space should be first assessed to

identify its potential for different types of activities. Urban environment provides different

development opportunities. The question is how to use this environment rationally and what

criteria of rationality should be employed.

Creative spaces serving as a platform for cross innovation are being established as a result of

direct public intervention, other public policies enabling / encouraging establishment of

these spaces, and as results of other activities undertaken by private actors / entities.

However, urban development policies elaborated and implemented by public authorities are

of key importance for spaces for cross innovations. Thus it is very important, that policy

makers are focused in their activities on policy goals having at the same time in their minds

both needs of inhabitants and policy means to be adopted to solve problems.

Lack of legal regulations or planning directives concerning development of specific lots in the

city together with well developed culture of cooperation between public authorities and

private sector can very much contribute to spontaneous entrepreneurial initiatives.

Creative spaces are becoming very valuable components of urban landscape and shall be

considered as a welcome contribution increasing the diversity of the urban area.

Spaces for cross innovation shall be treated as an important incentive for urban economy

development. Different firms can assist each other by providing expertise; public authorities

can support them by promoting the creative sector itself.

Cross innovation strengthens technology development including use of new technologies for

old and new products. Thus investment in spaces for cross innovation shall be seen as

investments in local economies.

Demand for creative expertise will be increasing in modern economies and will be connected

with desired diffusion of innovation among different branches of economy. This fact ought

to be acknowledged and creative spaces shall become present in thinking and practice of

land use planning and different programs concerning development of urban fabric including

urban renewal programs.

Spatial forms of economic activities location like clusters, networks, and creative spaces shall

be considered while making decisions on spatial and functional structures of cities.

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Creative spaces generally and creative spaces for cross innovation specifically, build strong

bases for self-support, which is crucial for strengthening the creative sector through building

professional identity, creating “proper working environment”, shaping friendly ecosystems.

Public authorities should focus on creating political and institutional framework that

supports establishment of creative spaces. This framework shall be related to goals, nature,

and scope of cooperation and allow to define clearly tasks and responsibilities of public and

private actors involved in establishment of creative spaces.

The key finding of the workshop is that to establish creative spaces that will fulfill their

functions, coordination of activities of different actors present at the urban scene is

necessary. Public authorities are to play the leading role in the game for creative spaces.

Establishment of creative spaces should be a subject of spatial planning activities. Spatial

development plans exemplify goals of social and economic development and are crucial for

incorporation of creative spaces into thinking about functional structure of the city. The

issue of creative spaces is related directly to problems of urban renewal (urban

revitalization). Social, economic, and spatial development plans may use creative spaces as

instruments that bring a change to deprived areas.

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Participants of the Warsaw’s Policy Clinic:

1. Christoph Weidinger, architect, Chairman of the Architecture Forum Upper Austria

2. Andreas Schwandner, consultant for organisational issues

3. Thomas Diesenreiter, communication/marketing manager of the Tabakfabrik Linz

4. Andreas Prag, Tabakfabrik Linz

5. Georg Tremetzberger, Project Manager from Creative Region Linz & Upper Austria

6. Trix Berkhof, policy-maker, City of Amsterdam

7. Mike Shulmeister, cluster-manager, Creative Industries, Amsterdam Economic Board

8. Patrick van der Duin, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy

and Management

9. Martin Sjőman, Stockholm, design strategist

10. Dawid Polsakiewicz, Fantastic Studio

11. Jagoda Nowik, Fantastic Studio

12. Anna Walkowska, Reaktor

13. Tomasz Michałkiewicz, Biurco

14. Wojciech Majewski, Biurco

15. Marek Heidrich, Business Lab Nowy Świat