Innovating in the cultural and creative industry

Do you need to invest in research and development to advance your creative or cultural project? Are you aiming to create a new product and design a prototype? Our guide will give you with detailed information on the various aspects of innovation.

Different forms of innovation

The constant evolution of the cultural and creative sectors, driven by technological innovations and changing audience and consumer expectations, requires appropriate expertise and the creation of new products, services and artistic experiences. There are different ways to innovate, whether in terms of content (designing and prototyping a product or artwork that will engage the audience), technology (integrating digital elements into content and distribution methods), or business models (adopting revenue models that differ from those traditionally used).

👉 Discover the nine types of innovation

How to innovate

Innovation starts with creativity, generating new ideas or new combinations of ideas. While it's possible to come up with new ideas or improve existing products on your own, smart innovation generally requires collaboration. Often, insights or assistance from others can be crucial. Working together is key. But with whom? And who can help?

👉 Discover how to find partners or engage in co-creation

The importance of prototyping

Prototyping is a crucial step in the creative process. Whether you are a designer, engineer, artist or entrepreneur, prototyping allows you bring your ideas to life and test them in the real world. A prototype is a preliminary version of a product, designed to test a concept or process. It serves as a model from which subsequent versions are developed. Prototyping helps to identify potential issues, test functionality and gather user feedback before mass production.

The prototyping process usually begins with an idea or concept. This idea is then transformed into a tangible design using sketches, 3D models or mock-ups. Once the design has been finalised, a prototype is created. This prototype can be made using various techniques, such as 3D printing, moulding, laser cutting, etc.

Once the prototype has been created, it is tested for functionality, durability and efficiency. The feedback gathered during these tests is then used to improve and refine the design. This process is often repeated several times until the final product is ready for production.

In essence, prototyping is a powerful tool that enables designers to visualise their ideas, test them and make improvements. It fosters innovation, reduces risks and costs and accelerates the time-to-market. So make sure you prototype your creations!

This process can also be applied when designing and/or improving a service for users.

FabLabs

Do you have an idea and want to create a prototype, model, object or artwork? If so, head to a FabLab! A FabLab is a manufacturing laboratory that provides users with digitally-controlled machines. You can find laser cutters, 3D printers, cutting plotters, textile machines and digital milling machines. These resources enable you to prototype your ideas, create furniture, bring all kinds of projects to life, explore artistic possibilities, etc. There are several FabLabs in Brussels, including Green Fabric, FabLab VUB, FabLab ULB, iMAL, Cityfab 1 and Micro Factory, which are all part of the Brussels' FabLab network. Private initiatives also exist, such as the Orange Digital Center FabLab.

 👉 Discover the Brussels' FabLab network and the machines available.

This network also organises 6- to 8-week residencies that include guidance, a grant, machine training, logistical support and opportunities for resident artists to connect and collaborate.

👉 Discover the residencies in Brussels' FabLabs

Sources of innovation support

Innoviris programmes

Innoviris is the public administration that finances and supports research and innovation in the Brussels-Capital Region. This organisation offers several calls for projects and funding schemes for which creative or cultural projects are eligible.

For example, in 2023, the "Prove your social Innovation (PYSI)" programme funded research into new socially innovative products, processes or services addressing a clearly identified social need. Winners of this programme received funding to validate the feasibility and viability of their projects.

  👉 Discover the various Innoviris programmes

Innovation Vouchers

Innovation Vouchers are aimed at managers of small and medium-sized companies to support the financing of short-term technical services in a research centre. Various services are eligible, whether in the design exploration or pre-industrialisation phase, such as creating a "proof of concept", developing basic prototypes for demonstration purposes and conducting life cycle assessment studies of new products.

 👉 Learn about Innovation Vouchers

S+T+ARTS: Art-Sciences & Technology

Coordinated by the GLUON organisation and supported by Innoviris, this programme aims to strengthen local artistic innovation and human-centred technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, new digital media, smart cities, high-performance computing, data science and biotechnology. These fields will be able to bring products and services to market that have a positive ecological, societal and ethical impacts.

By combining arts and creativity with science and technology for the common good, S+T+ARTS in the City will contribute to the emergence of ecologically conscious technology uses that address the current challenges that regions are facing. This will be achieved through four calls for residencies per year, focusing on sectors such as green manufacturing, sustainable urban development, security, recyclable textiles, digital literacy and more.

👉 Discover the S+T+ARTS in the City programme

FARI: AI FOR THE COMMON GOOD

FARI aims to assist companies active in the AI and digital fields by guiding their ideas through the different stages of product or service development. FARI will support start-ups and small businesses to help them rapidly bring their products and services to market while maintaining their focus on the "common good". Our entrepreneurship programme and initiatives for small and medium-sized businesses will include various programmes and services tailored to the unique needs of the participating companies. Further information about these services will be announced shortly.

 👉 Discover the FARI workshops and training courses