The creative class and the creative city are two notions which have also recently forged a path to politicians and opinion-leaders in the field of urban society in the Netherlands. In particular, the much-discussed book The Rise of the Creative Class by the American economist Richard Florida sits on the bedside tables of city administrators. After our industrial production was taken over by low-wage countries, and now that sections of our service sector have moved there as well, Florida argues that human creativity will be the driver of economic growth in the 21st century. A new economic sector of scientists, researchers, innovative entrepreneurs, architects, designers, media people, artists and consultants is evolving, a sector that earns its living with 'creativity'. Cities that succeed in combining this 'talent', 'technology' and 'tolerance' have the greatest potency: businesses locate where there is talent. A successful urban environment is one that cultivates, fosters and attracts talent, one that generates research and is able to establish a bond with academics, and one which is open to outsiders: a tolerant society.
This development presents myriad new opportunities for cities: redevelopment of former industrial zones, new business activity in the old city centres and new jobs.
The book describes all these opportunities and the consequences for the spatial development of the city; at the same time it also warns about the dangers of this creating a new élite of people who isolate themselves from those who miss the boat.
The new developments are considered in a series of 15 articles, describing the political, social and societal consequence and analysing the resulting spatial developments. Lastly, the book contains many tips for practical urban policy. Creativity and the City is a book for a broad group of politicians, policy-makers, urban planners, economists and sociologists. It includes contributions from Richard Florida, Charles Landry, the independent Dutch thinktank Nederland Kennisland (Knowledgeland), Jeroen Saris, Arnold Reijndorp, Robert Kloosterman, Nachtwacht Amsterdam (Amsterdam's 'Night-time Mayor'), John Tackera and others.
According to Florida, the Netherlands is one of the most suitable countries for the creative economy to establish roots. This book is the Dutch contribution to an international debate about the creative city.
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