Locality selection matters. Investigating creative hubs in the Czech urban environment

Abstract

The paper aims to identify and analyze the factors influencing the selection of sites and buildings for the placement of creative hubs in the urban environment of the Czech Republic, where cultural and creative industries have been mapped (model cities Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Pilsen, Olomouc, and Zlín). Methodologically, the text is anchored both in the theoretical discussion of the concept of creative hubs and especially in qualitative research in the form of a questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews with creative hub management, and on-site observation. Our research results have confirmed the experience of advanced economies (such as Germany or Austria) that creative hubs are naturally located in large cities, where sufficient economic and socio-cultural potential is also expected. However, even in smaller cities, increasing digitalization and technological advances are increasing the pressure to fill the “gap” in the creative economy. Regardless of the basic type of creative hub (creative space, co-working, maker space), the key factors affecting site selection are financial and investment costs, i.e. primarily acquisition costs, rental price and operating costs related to the city centre or off-centre location. Other strong factors are technical and transport infrastructure, a competitive environment, the concentration of potential customers and social infrastructure (especially a young and well-educated workforce). Last but not least, the wear and tear of the interior and exterior of the building and the social status of not only the surrounding area but also the city district appear to be an important element.