We understand the transformative potential of the culture and creative industries (CCIs)

Research, Data and Insight

For 25 years BOP has set the standard for research into culture and creative industries (CCIs).

We believe in the transformative power of data to change perceptions and galvanise decision-making. We seek to make an impact on our clients and their stakeholders with our findings, through the rigour of our research, the clarity of presentation and the use of the latest data visualisation methods.

Our work has shone new light on the CCIs and their potential to transform people and places. Insights generated have informed the decision-making of national governments, mayors, and cultural leaders across the globe, and we have helped to design standard data frameworks for international agencies like UNESCO, for national governments and for city leaders worldwide.

The triennial World Cities Culture Report is the most comprehensive existing compendium of data on culture and the world’s largest cities. It has pushed culture up the urban agenda and helped policy-makers align the development of a city's cultural offer with broader economic, social, and environmental goals.

Our Approach

BOP continues to pioneer innovative approaches to understanding the nature and dynamics of these cultural industries. Our extensive toolkit draws on official data, specialised cultural statistics, frameworks, industry intelligence, and open ‘big’ data sources. This provides a wide and deep view of the sector, generating new evidence and insights which can be used as the basis for decision-making.

Whilst we use recognised frameworks and methods to ensure robustness and enable comparability, our research is always tailored to the unique needs of the client. Our research offer is always

Responsive to immediate challenges and dilemmas
Rigorous, objective, and open to external scrutiny
Reliable, using standard, widely accepted methods, and frameworks
Innovative, and constantly drawing on new data sources
Practical, providing evidence for business decisions

Relevance

As we enter the new post-COVID age our research capabilities are more important than ever to our clients as they assess the impact of the pandemic and plan for a different kind of future where they are contending with ongoing changes across the sector as well as larger shifts including climate change and technology.

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Evidence and literature reviews

We undertake literature and evidence reviews – from rapid scans to in-depth systemic analysis – to put the best and latest information and knowledge in the hands of decision-makers.

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Sector mapping

We use a range of data source methods to reveal the full nature and extent of the cultural and creative sectors. Our research generates insights into the growth potential of the sector and how it relates to important economic, social, and environmental agendas.

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Industry trends and forecasting

We keep policy-makers and decision-makers up to speed with the deep trends that are shaping the future of the CCIs, and how policy and investment can respond to and take advantage of these opportunities. We have specialised knowledge of how digital technologies are revolutionising the CCIs and their role in sustainable development.

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Innovative data frameworks

We devise innovative data frameworks which help inform policy and decision-makers to make sense of fast-moving, often fragmented sectors, creating a solid foundation for evidence-based policy-making. See World Cities Culture Report.

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Policy briefings and white papers

We bring sophisticated policy-analysis to bear on the core data about the sector, to explore how the CCIs can contribute to wider agendas whether this be sustainable development, urban planning, infrastructure, skills and entrepreneurship, tourism, or climate action.

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Market scoping appraisals and demand assessments

We collect and collate data on current and future market demand and translate this into practical commercial advice for future investment decisions.

Our Services