The 3T transformation model for the purposes of a comparison of the creative potential within the framework of selected European regions

Abstract

Globalization and the development of new information and communication technologies (ICT) have created conditions for the development of a creative economy which is based on human inventiveness. Creativity in and of itself significantly supports economic growth despite the fact that it represents only a partial step. If and when creativity should contribute to economic growth, it has to be implemented into an environment with free institutions and in an economy which is capable of transforming impulses arising from the creative area into productive processes. The main aim of this work is to open up possibility for a comparative analysis of European regions on the basis of creative potential. A new methodological approach which arises from Florida's 3T model, eliminating, however, its numerous drawbacks, was defined for this purpose. The consequent new creative index is there by the defining indicator of the creative potential of a region. A closer analysis of the individual elements of the model is consequently usable for directed support of development of regions. The work has demonstrated that regions with the highest creative potential are located in Germany and in larger cities in Sweden and Finland. The opposite side of this theoretical table is clearly inhabited by regions in Spain, followed by towns and cities in the Netherlands. Concerning Spain it was demonstrated that localities attractive for tourism do not result in increased creative potential. They instead draw an advantage at present from their geographic location and the range of recreational services which they provide. A question remains as to whether directed development of tourism will be able to maintain the competitiveness of regions within a European context Results of the research are from the project "To establish a cross-border (Zlin-Trencin), creative industry-based network to facilitate long-term cooperation". The project is co-financed from the Program of Cross-Border Cooperation Slovak Republic-Czech Republic 2007-2013.