Cultural Industries Research Articles

Feminization of cultural work: the making of a gendered, precarious writing workforce in the South Korean broadcasting industry

ABSTRACT Television writers’ work is considered women’s work in the context of the South Korean broadcasting industry in that almost nine out of ten of the more experienced writers in this industry are women. Using a feminist political economy approach, this article investigates how women became the overwhelming majority of television writers in South Korea during the 1980s and 1990s, and how this gendering process is connected with the precarization of labour in the South Korean broadcasting industry. The article describes how, by the end of the 20th century, the South Korean broadcasting companies reorganized and expanded a writing workforce that formerly wrote scripts for fiction programs into a gendered, precarious workforce that performed diverse duties across genres. This research further develops the concept of feminization of labour for understanding the precariousness workers have experienced and contributes to our understanding of the intersection of gender and labour issues in cultural industries.

The activity of indigo carmine against bacteriophages: an edible antiphage agent

Bacteriophage infections in bacterial cultures pose a significant challenge to industrial bioprocesses, necessitating the development of innovative antiphage solutions. This study explores the antiphage potential of indigo carmine (IC), a common FDA-approved food additive. IC demonstrated selective inactivation of DNA phages (P001, T4, T1, T7, λ) with the EC50 values ranging from 0.105 to 0.006 mg/mL while showing no activity against the RNA phage MS2. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) revealed that IC selectively binds to dsDNA, demonstrated by a significant reduction in the diffusion coefficient, whereas no binding was observed with ssDNA or RNA. Mechanistically, IC permeates the phage capsid, leading to genome ejection and capsid deformation, as confirmed by TEM imaging. Under optimal conditions (50 °C, 220 rpm), IC achieved up to a 7-log reduction in phage titer, with kinetic theory supporting the enhanced collision frequency induced by agitation. Additionally, IC protected E. coli cultures from phage-induced lysis without affecting bacterial growth or protein production, as demonstrated by GFP expression assays. IC’s effectiveness and environmental safety, combined with its FDA approval and cost-effectiveness, make it a promising antiphage agent for industrial applications.Key points• Indigo carmine effectively inactivates a broad spectrum of bacteriophages, offering protection to bacteria in industrial cultures.• A novel application of indigo carmine as a food-grade, environmentally safe, and FDA-approved antiphage agent protecting bacterial cultures.• Antiphage activity arises from indigo carmine’s interaction with DNA within the phage capsid without harming bacterial cells or compromising protein production in bacterial cultures.Graphical abstract

Big-data AI analytics in value-chain innovation and international marketing strategy: insights from SMEs in cultural and creative industries

Purpose Despite great consensus on the positive impact of big-data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) analytics (BDAI) on a firm’s performance, it still appears to be a black box mechanism through which small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their dynamic competencies to innovate and expand their global footprint. To fill this theoretical and empirical gap we examine the relationship between BDAI affordances, digital marketing capabilities (DMCs), value-chain innovation and international market goals.Design/methodology/approach The study incorporates the dynamic capability view an extension of the resource-based view and the knowledge-based view to empirically examine the primary data collected from marketing managers and executives of SMEs in cultural and creative industries utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis.Findings The study highlights the significant role of BDAI affordances such as intelligent process recommendations, customer intelligence and market intelligence on DMCs, where DMCs significantly affect value-chain innovation and international market strategy both directly and indirectly.Research limitations/implications The study minimizes the gap in identifying the BDAI affordances to drive innovation and international market strategy in the context of SMEs in cultural and creative industries. Marketing managers can incorporate these findings to enhance their digital capabilities for competitive advantages in international markets.Originality/value The study proposes a holistic framework of BDAI affordances for the strategic use of digital resources and knowledge to transform digital capabilities into new forms of value to expand in the international market. These insights are robust and grounded in findings provided by marketing practitioners.

Ergonomic study of visitors in red cultural venues from a biomechanical perspective: A case study of students from Sichuan University of Arts and Science

Red cultural venues are pivotal in preserving China’s revolutionary heritage and fostering national identity. However, these venues often encounter difficulties in engaging contemporary audiences, particularly younger visitors who seek more interactive and technologically enriched experiences. This study investigates the ergonomic and biomechanical challenges faced by young visitors, using students from the ideological and political education program and the cultural industry management program at Sichuan University of Arts and Science as a representative case study. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative surveys with 200 participants and qualitative interviews with 30 participants to assess physical discomfort and engagement levels. Statistical analysis reveals that prolonged standing significantly increases discomfort (β = 0.04, p < 0.001), while higher levels of interactive engagement (β = −0.30, p = 0.002) and overall satisfaction (β = −0.20, p = 0.013) are associated with reduced discomfort. Thematic analysis identifies key issues such as leg fatigue, back pain, limited interactivity, and restrictive venue layouts. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing interactive exhibits, optimizing spatial layouts, providing additional seating, and expanding venue spaces to improve visitor comfort and engagement. These evidence-based recommendations aim to inform the redesign of red cultural venues, making them more accessible and enjoyable for young visitors, thereby enhancing their educational and cultural impact. This research contributes to the limited literature on ergonomics in cultural venue settings and offers practical implications for improving the accessibility and user-friendliness of heritage sites.

Exploring Spatial–Temporal Coupling and Its Driving Factors of Cultural and Tourism Industry in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Urban Agglomeration, China

Exploring Spatial–Temporal Coupling and Its Driving Factors of Cultural and Tourism Industry in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Urban Agglomeration, China

The Challenges of Developing Islamic Education Curriculum and Strategies for Its Development in Facing Future Competency Demands

The development of the Islamic education curriculum encounters various complex challenges stemming from both internal and external factors. Key challenges include the dynamics of globalization, socio-cultural changes, technological advancements, and the need to balance religious values with 21st-century competencies. This study examines these challenges, focusing on issues such as rapid technological progress, the integration of global and local values, and strategies for developing a curriculum that is relevant, flexible, and aligned with modern educational goals. Employing a qualitative approach, the research utilizes literature reviews and expert interviews to analyze the dynamics of curriculum development in Islamic education. The findings reveal that the challenges faced by Islamic education significantly impact both its internal and external dimensions. Internal challenges include achieving the eight national education standards, addressing the demographic bonus resulting from Indonesia's population growth, and tackling character development issues. To remain competitive in the era of globalization and produce graduates who meet contemporary demands, Islamic education must focus on developing human resources capable of adapting to current and future needs. On the other hand, external challenges are more forward-looking, requiring Islamic education to prepare for future demands related to social issues, advancements in technology and information, the growth of creative and cultural industries, and the internationalization of education, including the pursuit of world-class university standards.

Research on the Creation of Cultural Ecology to Identity Brand Image in the Context of Recreation: Literature Review and Prospects

In recent years,from cultural and ecological construction to urban identity and branding in the context of recreation industry has become an important research topic. The systematic literature review method is adopted to review 656 journal articles originated from China Knowledge Network (CNKI). The research review is conducted in terms of overall research characteristics, highly cited literature, theoretical foundations, existing problems, and research methods. The results of the literature analysis are systematically elaborated from the foundation of the recreation and culture tourism industry and related theories, domestic culture and ecology to the culture and ecology of Dongtang Town, historical and cultural analysis of the recreation and culture tourism brand, the current situation and problems of construction, and the analysis of the construction of hot springs recreation and culture industry. The study found that the development mode of "recreation" will continue to develop rapidly, and the development of recreation tourism will intensify. The development of Liaoning Dongtang Hot Spring Town needs to make full use of its original hot spring resources, perfectly integrate with the recreation industry, and shape a hot spring recreation brand with a sense of identity and belonging.

A Bibliometric Analysis for Enhancing University Collaboration with the Cultural and Creative Industries through Knowledge Management

Universities were the cradle of Musicology. Although collaboration between universities and industry has driven innovation and economic growth, Cultural and Creative Industries have received less attention in these studies. While research on implementing Knowledge Management Models in Higher Education Institutions has grown, its impact on the collaboration between universities and the Cultural and Creative Industries has been less explored. This study uses Bibliometric Analysis to understand scientific productivity in this field, aiming to provide valuable insights for the stakeholders.

The Politics of Representation in New Saudi Arabian Cinema

Abstract Textual analyses of Saudi Arabian films serve to deepen our understanding of the shifting boundaries of permissibility that exist between artists and the state. Where new cultural industries have been developed as part of broader national efforts toward economic diversification, Saudi auteurs such as Meshal Al-Jaser have sought to use film to facilitate society-wide discussions on contentious issues such as war, women’s rights and religion. These priorities intersect at the point where social liberalization is conducive with job market expansion and the new globally projected image of moderate Saudi nationalism. Yet the tentative exploration of boundaries plays out in much finer detail on the screen, pointing to how new freedoms give rise to new forms of representation in the cinematic treatment of Saudi history and politics. Al-Jaser’s first feature film, Naga, defers polemical commentary on the capricious bond between state and religion through its use of symbolism and multi-genre aesthetics. As a text, it highlights the cultural interplay between filmmakers and the state, as well as the repertoire of tactics that artists may use to facilitate discussion and positive social changes.

Multilevel Analysis Applied in High-Impact Environments: Causes and Effects of Firm and Political Activities During the Pandemic in the Restaurant Sector

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant a serious risk to the economic viability of companies and the sustainability of employment in the restaurant sector, a high-impact activity for the economy and employment in Mexico and Spain. This paper analyzes the causes of the prolonged and intense damage to companies and employees via multilevel analysis techniques and a qualitative, inductive methodology drawing on multiple sources. Research propositions posit that the sectoral structure, management practices, and institutional actions during and after the pandemic are predictors of recovery or continued losses. The balanced result of these three levels of analysis, in a severe crisis situation, such as the global pandemic, reveals that the combination of low institutional protection at the macro level, a hostile industry structure at the meso level, and a focus solely on economic sustainability as the primary business objective resulted in widespread resignation and put survival at risk, particularly for smaller companies and entrepreneurs. Analysis of the firms’ and stakeholders’ actions also shed light on the inter-relations, such as the negative effect of macro general policies on a fragmented, asymmetric meso level. Inter-relations among customers and firms’ behavior gave insights that could increase resilience before general critical events. Finally, the balanced results recommend a simultaneous effort from firms and policy makers to make possible a profound change while addressing the sector’s shortcomings. Firms’ effort in managing key assets, such as human capital, to acquire the capacity for the flexibility, adaptability, and innovation essential for change and renewal, must be endorsed by institutional support and customer recognition of the contributions of this singular service and cultural industry.

Quantitative Analysis of the Impact of Digital Transformation on Museum Management: Examining Visitor Satisfaction and Engagement Through Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Exhibitions in the UK Art Museums

Introduction: Digital technologies such as AR and Virtual exhibitions are changing the art and cultural industry such as museums by impacting visitor engagement and satisfaction. In the UK, the museum sector represents a broad landscape due to the vast number of museums, in which these technologies are implemented to address the challenges of declining visitors and enhancing visitor satisfaction. Objective: This study purported to investigate the impact of AR and Virtual Exhibitions on visitor engagement and satisfaction in UK art museums. Methodology: A cross-sectional research design was employed, collecting data from 155 respondents through a structured questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Results: The results revealed that AR and Virtual exhibitions have a positive impact on visitor engagement and satisfaction though moderated by factors such as technical usability, visitor demographics and museum types. Here, larger museums have more resources which demonstrates greater capacity to adopt digital transformation, while smaller museums may have to face resource constraints. Conclusion: In a nutshell, it can be said that AR and Virtual Exhibitions can enhance museum experiences and foster long-term visitor behaviours such as repeat visits and positive word of mouth. Hence, the hybrid model of museums us critical for museums to combine all the digital and physical experiences for diverse audiences.

The Formation of New Quality Productivity of Agriculture Under the Perspectives of Digitalization and Innovation: A Dynamic Qualitative Comparative Analysis Based on the “Technology-Organization-Environment” Framework

The formation and development of new quality productivity of agriculture can effectively promote agricultural sustainability and modernization. In order to explore the multiple paths of the formation of new quality productivity of agriculture, using the panel data of 30 provincial levels in China from 2012 to 2021, based on the “technology-organization-environment” framework and dynamic QCA method, this paper explores how seven factors such as agricultural technology innovation, digital infrastructure, innovation policy support, the formation of e-commerce industry, marketization level, green finance, and rural culture modernization interact to promote the formation of new quality productivity of agriculture. The findings reveal that none of the above seven factors can promote the formation of new quality productivity of agriculture, and agricultural technological innovation and digital infrastructure are becoming more and more important to the formation of new quality productivity of agriculture over time. The high new quality productivity of agriculture formation models can be categorized into four types: TOE empowers new business model development-driven, government–market–culture triple-driven, market-oriented efficient transformation of technological achievements-driven, and deep integration of agricultural technological innovation and emerging agricultural business models-driven. The configurational results exhibit significant regional effects, with diverse pathways for the formation of new quality productivity of agriculture across different provinces.

Uniform impact on individual megakaryocytes is essential for efficient in vitro platelet production

Different approaches are being developed to efficiently produce in vitro platelets from cultured megakaryocytes to meet the constant demand of platelet transfusion and serve for research purposes. Recent works have shown that turbulence and periodic stress can significantly enhance platelet yield. Here we have developed and characterized a platelet production device that takes in account these properties. This device is based on the Taylor-Couette reactor in which a suspension is confined and sheared between two concentric cylinders. We have demonstrated that such a system allows obtaining high number of in vitro platelets per megakaryocyte with native-like morphology and functional properties. Using the combination of in silico and in vitro techniques, we claimed that overall turbulent conditions are not sufficient for efficient platelet release, and highlighted the importance of the uniform impact of flow on each megakaryocyte, a property that must be taken into account along with general flow characteristics when designing platelet release bioreactors. In addition, we have demonstrated that our system can be scaled up to large volumes without loss of efficiency, a significant advantage for the industrialization of platelet culture. In conclusion, we have developed a platelet production device with a predictable and highly precise effect on each megakaryocyte.

The Application of Traditional Chinese Auspicious Animal Patterns in Commercial Poster Illustration

Traditional Chinese auspicious animal patterns are significant symbols of Chinese culture, carrying profound historical and cultural connotations. In the context of globalization and digitalization, how to innovatively apply traditional patterns to modern commercial poster illustrations has become an important topic in the cultural and creative industries. This study focuses on traditional Chinese auspicious animal patterns, exploring their application strategies and practical approaches in commercial poster illustrations. Through literature review, case analysis, and comparative analysis, this paper examines the cultural and artistic characteristics of traditional patterns, combined with the visual language and communication functions of commercial poster illustrations. It proposes application strategies such as aligning pattern selection with themes, integrating traditional designs with modern aesthetics, unifying color schemes with brand identity, and enhancing composition for visual impact. By analyzing typical domestic and international cases, the study summarizes successful experiences and shortcomings, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for the modern application of traditional patterns. The research demonstrates that incorporating traditional Chinese auspicious animal patterns into commercial poster illustrations not only inherits and promotes traditional culture but also enhances the cultural value and market competitiveness of designs, injecting new vitality into the sustainable development of the cultural and creative industries.

Policy experimentation, everyday state informality, and contested cultural-creative entrepreneurial practices in urbanizing China

ABSTRACT Focusing on a state-run cultural creative industrial district in China, this paper examines how creative city policy, as a top-down experimental agenda, is embedded in the situated cultural and creative practices through informal urban governance at the local level, and how this informality reshapes the experiences and existing precariousness of creative entrepreneurs. Beyond the dichotomy of self-entrepreneurialism and state entrepreneurialism, this paper argues that urban cultural creative industries emerge from everyday conflicts and informal negotiations between creative entrepreneurs, local authorities, and indigenous communities in the context of policy experimentation. This process is facilitated specifically through two mechanisms: (1) political informality, which involves policy ambivalence, corruption, clientelism, and bureaucratic preferences in local state-business relations; and (2) social informality, which involves the informal social connections and cooperation between local residents and creative industries. This informality can fall on a spectrum ranging from para-formal to a-formal, depending on the degree of state intervention. While the para-formal can lead to negotiated forms of cultural production and innovation, the a-formal based on political performances and state-enlisted voluntarism may increase the precariousness and insecurity of creative entrepreneurs.

The Impact of Diversified Product Layout on Cultural and Creative Brand Building: Take the Operation of the Palace Museum Cultural and Creative Brands Online Stores as an Example

With the recovery of tourism industry and the support of national policies, China's cultural and creative industry has developed rapidly. Among them, the Palace Museum cultural and creative products has become a typical case because its great sales popularity, and its diversified product layout is also worth learning from other cultural and creative brands. Through case analysis and questionnaire survey, based on qualitative and quantitative data, this research makes a comprehensive analysis of the diversified product line, market performance and consumer feedback of the Palace Museum cultural and creative products. The study finds that the diversified product layout of the brand is mainly reflected in the three main aspects of diverse product types, creative product design and targeted product launch. This strategy has an important impact on the brand sales, influence, market competitiveness, and consumer loyalty. The results of this research make up for the research gap in the diversified product layout of cultural and creative brands, and provide a new perspective and program for the sustainable development of other cultural and creative brands in China. In the future, the Palace Museum needs to constantly pay attention to the changes in the consumer market and consumer demand, combine with digital technology, and continuously launch new creative products.

Case Study on Cultural Industry Empowerment in Urban Renewal: A Focus on Guangzhou, China

Case Study on Cultural Industry Empowerment in Urban Renewal: A Focus on Guangzhou, China

Artificial Intelligence in the Cultural Industry: Applications and Challenges

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the cultural industry and the challenges and opportunities it brings. Through literature review, case analysis, and expert interviews, this research reveals the key role of AI technology in content creation, cultural heritage protection, personalized recommendation systems, and market analysis. The study points out that while AI has brought innovation and efficiency to the cultural industry, it also faces technological challenges, ethical and legal issues, market acceptance, and consumer trust. This research proposes a series of strategic recommendations, including strengthening technological innovation, improving copyright protection mechanisms, enhancing market segmentation and consumer insights, adapt to digital transformation with cultivation talents. The results of the study provide valuable insights and guidance for policymakers, cultural industry practitioners, and academic researchers.

Can strengthening digital infrastructure enhance productivity in the cultural industry? evidence from Tibet.

This study, grounded in the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) theoretical framework, examines the impact of digital infrastructure on the productivity of Tibet's cultural industry from 2011 to 2021. It aims to uncover how the innovative allocation of production factors can enhance new-quality productivity. The core aspect of new-quality productivity is the improvement of TFP, with digital infrastructure promoting the cultural industry's development by optimizing industrial agglomeration, improving logistics efficiency, and reducing the urban-rural consumption gap. The findings suggest that while digital infrastructure leads to geographic dispersion of the industry-challenging traditional industrial agglomeration theory-it significantly enhances the efficiency of the cultural industry within Tibet's unique socio-economic context. Moreover, despite the region's geographical constraints on logistics efficiency, digital platforms effectively reduce the urban-rural consumption gap, improving market access and the quality of cultural services in remote areas. Additionally, digital infrastructure helps bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas, further fostering balanced regional consumption and digital inclusion. From a Total Factor Productivity perspective, this study reveals key pathways to improving new-quality productivity, offering both theoretical foundations for policymakers and practical guidance for the development of cultural industries in similarly structured regions.

Bayesian Network approach in analyzing the sustainability of the cultural industry ‘the sacred’ Gringsing Weaving

Bali is a popular tourist destination in the world, and the main entry point for foreign tourists to Indonesia. Bali is also an area in Indonesia that is famous for producing woven fabrics, which have various characteristics in each region. Gringsing weaving is one of the traditional Balinese fabrics from Tenganan Village which is considered sacred and its manufacture takes quite a long time, and is carried out with special techniques that are very difficult. This study aims to analyze and map factors related to the sustainability of the Gringsing weaving cultural industry, using the Bayesian Network approach. The results of the FGD with related stakeholders mapped the structure that forms Gringsing industrial sustainability, such as income, social capital, incentives, natural capital, custom law, and traditional institutions. Further analysis was carried out using the Bayesian Network technique and GeNIe tools. In forming the structure of thinking about the sustainability of the Gringsing Weaving industry, the related factors include culture, traditional institutions, natural capital, social capital, to economic factors, such as income and special incentives from the government. Specifically, the role of traditional institutions and government (through special incentives) was analyzed, and it was found that both factors can increase the probability of the sustainability of the gringsing weaving industry. The results of the sensitivity analysis also show that the sustainability of the Gringsing weaving industry is highly influenced (sensitive) to the increasing role of traditional institutions.