CEF 24: Creative Insights at the Tip of a Digital Pencil

The Creative Economies Forum 24 (CEF 24), held on September 4-5 in Zurich, was a groundbreaking event that united diverse voices from the Swiss creative tech ecosystem. Organized by ZCCE (Zurich Centre for Creative Economies at ZHdK) and Fuelarts, it became a beacon for collaboration, innovation, and the future of Creative Tech in Switzerland.

The forum’s focus was clear: bridging the gap between technology, creativity, and investment. But it wasn’t just about abstract discussions: participants dove deep into the practicalities of scaling Creative Tech sectors, such as GameTech and ArchiTech, which face unique hurdles compared to traditional industries.

From the outset, the forum set a vibrant tone with a keynote from Daniel Jörg, CIO at Team Farner, who emphasized the importance of emotional approaches in understanding Creative Tech. This powerful message resonated throughout the two days as experts from various fields — educators, startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials — came together to explore both the opportunities and the challenges facing the creative economy.

Daniel’s keynote was followed by a panel discussion on how creative storytelling can address the challenges facing the Swiss Creative Tech ecosystem. Led by Christoph Weckerle, Director of ZCCE, the panel brought together thought leaders from various sectors of Swiss innovation, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and solutions.

Participants of the Panel:

· Gabriela Devaud, Swissnex
· Rodrigo Esmela, Arcual
· Simon Grand, ZCCE, HSG
· Daniel Jörg, Team Farmer
· Anna Roth, Koyo Capital
· Xanthi Skoulariki, RossoGranada

It’s becoming increasingly clear that creative tech is an innovative and captivating field for entrepreneurs, researchers, funders, investors, and creatives alike.

The second day featured three simultaneous workshops held across different auditoriums, followed by a final strategic session that brought all participants together. Let’s dive into each one!

One of the forum’s major highlights was the workshop on collaboration within the creative tech community.

The Swiss brand of precision and quality in fields like watchmaking and science became an inspiring metaphor. Could Switzerland transform from “a nation of reports” to “a hub of collaboration”, much like its global reputation for luxury goods? The answer seemed to lie in creating a platform where creative tech entrepreneurs, industries, and governmental bodies could work in harmony, just as a sailing boat moves in sync with the wind while anchored by its North Star.

A recurring theme was the necessity of defining the value proposition of Creative Tech as a blend of creativity and innovative technology — each an essential part of the other. With ZCCE and CEF 24 participants acting as bridge-builders, the forum marked a critical first step towards creating an interconnected community of creative tech professionals.

Education took center stage in the forum’s second workshop, where the stark gap between artistic training and entrepreneurial skills became evident. The creative economy’s success hinges on equipping artists with essential business acumen — whether it’s hypothesis testing, fundraising, or team building. The discussions pointed to the need for collaboration between business and creative education. Bringing together experts from both sides could help students transform their ideas into viable businesses.

A key takeaway was the importance of providing education not only for students but also for seasoned professionals looking to break into the creative tech industry. While some entrepreneurs may aim to create billion-dollar unicorns, others are driven by a desire for financial independence or social impact. Tailoring educational programs to support both types of creatives is essential, as is fostering collaboration between universities, incubators, and investors.

Storytelling emerged as a powerful tool for bridging the gap between creativity and technology during the workshop on narrative building. Participants explored how narratives could humanize technological innovations, making them more relatable and engaging. Investors, for instance, need to hear more than just financial figures — they need to connect with the human stories behind these innovations.

The concept of "Swissness" played a significant role in these discussions. Known globally for precision, trust, and quality, Switzerland’s national identity can be a potent asset in crafting compelling narratives around Creative Tech. The workshop encouraged participants to blend the emotional appeal of personal stories with the stability and excellence associated with Swiss branding.

Yet, the challenge remains: How can these narratives navigate Switzerland’s complex federal system, which involves balancing the interests and expectations of different cantons? The answer lies in adapting narratives to local audiences while maintaining a cohesive vision for the industry’s future.

The forum concluded with a strategic session, where participants discussed practical steps to implement the findings from the workshops. One standout proposal was the creation of a platform or app to connect the various players in the creative tech space. This could serve as a matchmaking tool, allowing creatives, tech developers, and investors to collaborate more seamlessly.

Another critical area of focus was educational reform. While there are individual initiatives fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, there is a pressing need for institutional backing to integrate technology, creativity, and investment into more cohesive programs. Entrepreneurial education, in particular, needs to be encouraged, with support for students looking to start ventures during their academic journeys.

The emotional aspect of creative tech was also underscored. Participants agreed that building narratives that highlight the human drama behind startups — stories of perseverance, failure, and success — could help the sector gain greater international recognition. There’s no doubt about it: creative tech has the potential to make a significant contribution, even helping to shape a new soft power narrative!

As CEF 24 drew to a close, it was clear that the forum had sparked vital conversations about the future of Creative Tech in Switzerland. The atmosphere was one of excitement, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. While there is still much work to be done, the foundations have been laid for a creative tech ecosystem that can thrive on both the local and global stage.

In the coming weeks, ZCCE and Fuelarts will communicate the results of CEF 24 through a Creative Tech Manifesto. This document, shaped by the diverse voices at the forum, will guide the next steps in building a sustainable, innovative, and emotionally engaging creative tech industry in Switzerland.

The journey has just begun, but with the collaborative spirit and strategic insights shared at CEF 24, Switzerland is well on its way to becoming a global leader in Creative Tech!