The influence of creative industry definitions on subsector typologies

In this conceptual article we explore the influence of creative industry definitions on subsector typologies. Based on a systematic literature review of the Creative Industries Journal, we examine alternative creative industry definitions, criteria, subsector typologies, and streams of thought. As a corollary of such a literature review, we suggest a theoretical framework – the Value/Scale matrix – which distinguishes four types of creative industries. In particular, we distinguish between creative and cultural activities as well as between creative and cultural industries. Our distinction is based on the degree of value added and the scale of operations. We conclude with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of such a framework.