The stimulation of ‘creative industries’ in a major European city

In the light of the importance of economic positioning and growth for large international cities confronted with the disintegration of labour-intensive industries and globalised competition, creative industries often remain an abstract concept upon which few people dare to bet. This assessment, which has been borne out by the works of Richard Florida, is today put to the test in Lyon and its regions. Just like other large cities, Lyon is banking on the fact that the ‘organised’ intersection of video games, design, the textile industry, the clothing industry, the music industry, and the furniture business (all of which have similar characteristics and have common issues) will be the source of innovation and competition for companies within these sectors, and will strengthen the performance of the region in question globally. Using the concrete example of video games and digital leisure activities, one can identify the systems or lines of action which are essential for creating necessary competition between companies and regions. What are the creative stimuli and what are the chances that both will benefit ?