OECD commends Central Denmark Region - Region Midtjylland

creativitya backyard,” explains Cools, who was also thrilled tovisit Innovation Lab and KaosPilots.“I’m not the only one who was impressed and inspired.The representatives from Brazil, for instance,where the next Creativity World Forum is to be held,were very impressed that such a small city has somuch to offer,” he says.Not too much hierarchyAarhus is small, but thinks and acts like a large city.And that is perfect when you want to attract peopleand investments, according to Cools.“It’s a city where you feel welcome. A dynamic, vibrantand warm city. Normally, you associate Scandinaviawith coldness, but that’s not how it is in Aarhusat all. And it all takes place in a relaxed atmosphere,”he says.“The impression you get is of a city in harmony,where innovation abounds, bubbling with creativity,and where things are not taken too seriously, and thereis not too much hierarchy. This promotes innovation,as you don’t have to spend time and energy trying toimpress people higher up in the system, but can concentrateyour efforts on innovation.”The next time Pascal Cools visits Central DenmarkRegion, he would like to see more than Aarhus. Andhopefully he will again be impressed and inspired.Creative industries dominateProject manager of Regional Development, MortenFalbe-Hansen, believes that being a member of Districtsof Creativity is beneficial for efforts to enhancecreativity and innovation in Central Denmark Region.He would like to see Central Denmark Region hostingthe Creativity World Forum in 2017, when Aarhus isEuropean Capital of Culture.“The creative industries are becoming more andmore dominant in the region, also in relation to thegrowth in number of jobs. The network means thatwe and our business partners have an easier time establishinginternational partnerships for businesses,educational institutions and organisations,” saysMorten Falbe-Hansen.Remaining a member of the fine Districts of Creativitynetwork requires an active effort. Otherwiseyou’ll be thrown out, which is what happened to tworegions last year.Central Denmark Region’s membership does notappear to be in danger because, according to the headof the network, Pascal Cools, other regions can learnfrom Central Denmark Region, which has managedto combine creative people with academics and boostentrepreneurship and innovation.“We must go back to the Renaissance, where therewas also entrepreneurship and business combinedwith design and creativity, science and technology.Central Denmark Region is already well on its way,” hesays.He points out that investment in creativity may bethreatened in times of crisis, but he believes it pays offin the long run.“It’s really important, as it’s the way we have to goif we are to compete with countries like Russia, Indiaand China,” he stresses.New opportunity for binding networksCompanies that are efficient at working closely with othercompanies in binding networks will grow faster and generatemore profit than those that are not doing this. This is whyGrowth Forum has decided to extend the cluster programme,KLYNGEmidt Netværksinitiativ, until 31 August 2014. Theprogramme is aimed at strengthening the growth potentialof SMEs through participation in commercial and bindingcooperation with three other companies, focusing on innovationand internationalisation.Information: mette.vilsboell@ru.rm.dkDIALOGUE theme: The Region through outsiders’ eyes 13