The Technology Strategy Board’s research, analysis and industry consultation has taken place in the context of a high level of governmental and other public consultation in the Creative Industries. In November 2005, the Government launched the Creative Economy Programme, recognising the value of the Creative Industries to the UK economy. The Staying Ahead Report (2007) [12] provided a roadmap for many aspects of the Creative Industries. It is the first analysis in recent times to comprehensively identify and clarify the strategic value and economic strength of the UK’s creative sector, including its unique influence on the world stage.

Staying Ahead also shows the important linkage to the broader knowledge economy and to the social and economic well-being of the country as a whole. Lord Hutton’s key premise throughout has been that “Cultural Industries’ – film, television, publishing, music, the performing arts and video games – construct their business models principally upon commercialising acts of origination of expressive value.” While that is undoubtedly still the case, the rapid development of social media in the last five years and their increasing economic importance has added significant new paradigms to the model.

Lord Carter’s Digital Britain Report [14] highlights the critical importance of technology in the future of the Creative Industries. Closely associated is the UKIPO’s ‘stakeholder consultation’ on Copyright in the 21st century under the direction of Rights Minister, David Lammy.

As well as central government policy initiatives, Channel 4, NESTA and several RDAs and Devolved Administrations have programmes to support the development of innovative applications or businesses that take advantage of the opportunities of new technology and digital networks. Channel 4’s 4iP programme is intended “to kick start a wave of new investment in public service digital media for audiences around Britain to deliver publicly valuable content and services on digital media platforms.” [50]