CANCELLED Economics Research Seminar – Dr Alejandro Ramirez Guerra

Title: Geographies of the Creative Industries (CI): Specialisation and Infrastructure in the United Kingdom (UK)

Date: TBC

Time: TBC

Venue: TBC

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Economics Research Seminar – Dr Alejandro Ramirez Guerra  – Fill in form

Speaker:            Dr Alejandro Ramirez Guerra

Alejandro is a Research Associate of Economics and the Creative Industries (CI) in the Creative Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) unit based at Newcastle University Business School. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Durham University and a Master in Economics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Before joining Creative PEC and Newcastle University, Alejandro worked as an economist for the consultancy sectors in the U.K. and the public administration in Mexico.

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/business/people/profile/alejandroramirez-guerra.html

Abstract:

This study conducts a spatial analysis of the Creative Industries (CI) across UK regions, addressing two key research objectives. First, it identifies clusters of creative specialisation—defined as locations with a significant concentration of CI employment and businesses. Second, it examines the influence of infrastructure in shaping regional creative specialisation.

The findings reveal a pronounced concentration of creative activity in London, alongside several other clusters across the UK that generate positive spillover effects in neighbouring areas. Evidence indicates that high population density, the availability of train stations, higher broadband speeds, and higher GVA per capita are key drivers of specialisation clusters in creative businesses across UK regions. However, this is not the case for clusters of creative jobs, which are predominantly located in London.

The interconnectedness of creative businesses can support the emergence of broader creative corridors, linking urban hubs into dynamic networks of creative places that facilitate innovation and cultural production.

Keywords: Creative Industries, regional specialisation, infrastructure

JEL Codes: L52, R12, H54