DTI bolsters ties with Scottish creative sector

In a move to enhance the Philippines’ creative and startup ecosystems, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and Chairperson of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC) Fred Pascual led a delegation to Scotland on May 9, exploring collaboration opportunities with key Scottish institutions.

During the visit, which is part of the PCIDC Delegation’s three-day tour in the United Kingdom, Secretary Pascual engaged with officials from the Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh.

Discussions centered on innovative cooperation models between government, industry, and academia aimed at nurturing creative talent and boosting the development and commercialization of intellectual property within the creative sector.

“The collaboration with Edinburgh Futures Institute is crucial as we aim to foster a robust linkage between creative talents and market dynamics,” Pascual said during the meeting.

Additionally, the delegation held strategic meetings with Creative Scotland and Screen Scotland, focusing on emerging policy frameworks vital for the growth of the creative economy. These interactions provided insights into funding mechanisms and strategic interventions designed to stimulate entrepreneurship and promote cultural diversity.

A notable highlight of the visit was a roundtable with Scottish festival managers, discussing the use of cultural festivals as platforms for economic development, tourism promotion, and cultural exchange. The discussions aimed at understanding best practices in organizing successful events that boost community engagement and have a significant socio-economic impact.

Secretary Pascual also met with representatives from CodeBase, a prominent startup ecosystem builder in Scotland. This meeting emphasized the significance of adequate funding, government support, and industry-academic collaborations in nurturing startups and scaling innovative business ideas.

“Our meeting with CodeBase has been inspiring and insightful. By leveraging their expertise in ecosystem building and technology innovation, we can empower innovative entrepreneurs, drive digital transformation, and unlock new opportunities for growth,” Pascual commented.

The visit, organized in collaboration with the British Council, aims to enable Philippine government representatives to forge strategic partnerships and gain insights from the UK’s thriving creative ecosystem. The initiative is part of broader efforts to advance the Philippines’ agenda in enhancing its creative economy.