Open space #1: Innovation in Createch SMEs and Micro-businesses

Are you a West Midlands creative or tech freelancer/micro-business owner looking to incorporate innovation in your business for genuine, sustainable growth strategies? Or perhaps you are already working on an innovation and are wondering what the next steps are to commercialise it? Or possibly you have an idea for an innovation in the sector and are looking for collaborators and help to get it off the ground? Or maybe you just want to know more about what innovation is and how it can make a difference to you and your business?

We’re inviting you: artists, technologists, creators, entrepreneurs, freelancers, founders, funders, researchers, partners, and anyone passionate about innovation, to join us in this workshop. We will focus on the role of innovation in the createch sector in the West Midlands and, together, we will explore the question:

"How can we, as a West Midlands creative and tech community, use innovation to collaboratively future-proof and grow our businesses?"

Join a group of peers for a dynamic, free-to-attend 'Open Space' workshop focused on the role of innovation in the createch sector in the West Midlands. This is your chance to shape the agenda and find solutions that work for you.

(What is 'Open Space' workshop? https://openspaceworld.org/wp2/what-is/)

Although we cannot predict the precise outcome (as you’ll be setting the agenda), we hope participants will leave with actionable ideas for innovation, new contacts for potential collaborations, and ways forward that rely on resourcefulness, not just funding. Crucially, your input will directly guide the CreaTech Frontiers team in developing and lobbying for the support that innovators like you truly need.

This session will be led by Helen Keegan and John Holmes from Advantage Creative.

What Is CreaTech Frontiers?

CreaTech Frontiers is a 5-year £7.2 million project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) establishing a West Midlands CreaTech ecosystem by funding collaborative R&D, supporting business innovation and developing skills and talent.

More details: https://createchfrontiers.com/

What Do We Mean by “Createch”?

Createch sits where creativity meets technology, where creators, makers and entrepreneurs use experimentation and technology in new ways to build businesses. From immersive theatre and gaming to AI-driven design and digital performance, Createch has the potential to shape the next wave of culture and commerce.

What’s the Goal?

Our goal is simple: to make the West Midlands the best place in the UK to experiment, collaborate, and thrive in Createch. By bringing people together across disciplines, sectors, and perspectives, we can generate ideas that not only push boundaries but also support the development of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.

The CreaTech sector in the West Midlands is growing but its future depends on how well we connect, collaborate, learn and take action.

Photography & Filming Notice

This event will be filmed and photographed. Footage may be used in post-event materials, highlights, and social media. If you prefer not to appear on camera, please let a member of the team know on arrival.