Inquiry into future of creative industries launches

An inquiry into the future of the UK’s creative industries and the impact new technologies such as artificial intelliegence and virtual reality could have on the sector has launched.

The communications and digital select committee, made up of members of the House of Lords, said it wants to look into the positives and negatives of emerging technologies and new trends to "ensure the skills and talent pipeline can deliver what is needed for the sector".

It said technological development is just one of many forces driving change in the creative industries sector, but its impacts are "likely to be particularly significant".

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The inquiry will primarily focus on music, performing and visual arts, museums and galleries, as well as publishing, gaming, film, TV, video, and photography.

Rapid advances

The committee said that creative content production is likely to be affected by new technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, which could "supplement, enhance or in some cases replace" human creative work.

"Rapid advances have already taken place in some areas, from the creation of art and music through to narration and voiceovers," it said.

"Audience engagement is another area that is becoming more digitalised. Developments in immersive experiences such as augmented or virtual reality look set to offer new ways of creating and delivering cultural content, from performances to painting. Organisations are increasingly turning to digital services to attract and retain audiences and customers.

"Some business models may change significantly. The impact of streaming on the music and screen industries is already well known, even if its long-term effects are not fully understood. New forms of creating, distributing and paying for creative content and services may affect business models across the sector."

Opportunities and risks

The committee said that as new trends develop there will be "opportunities and risks" which are likely to affect large, medium, and small organisations, as well as freelancers, making it vital to have a system that delivers the right skillsets and talent pipeline for the jobs of the future.

Baroness Stowell of Beeston, Chair of the Committee, said: “The UK is recognised as a global leader in the creative economy. The sector is a key driver of our economic growth, and delivers huge value to us as a nation.

"But there are major changes coming. We need to understand these challenges better, and plan ahead to ensure the UK has the talent and skills pipeline we need for the creative sector to thrive in the future marketplace."

Written submissions to the inquiry can be made by Friday 2 September. The committee expects to hold oral evidence sessions from early September.