CLC North comprises ten countries surrounding the Baltic Sea and Northern Atlantic, including Northern Germany and Northern Poland, the Baltic States, the Nordic EU countries, as well as the associated Nordic countries of Norway, Iceland, and the autonomous territory of the Faroe Islands. Geographically, the area appears vast on the map, yet demographically it is more moderate, with a population of 58 million.
Culturally, the region is home to diverse communities, ranging from the indigenous Sámi in the north to highly digitalised urban centres in Central Europe. These communities are often characterised as democratic, relatively open, and stable. Our region has a long history of international cooperation, dating back to the Hanseatic League, and continues to uphold this tradition today.
Key Characteristics of the Creative and Cultural Industries
In our region, the priority areas of EIT Culture and Creativity—fashion, architecture, cultural heritage, audiovisual media, and games—are central to our identity. The region’s cultural heritage is deeply valued, but it is continually being enriched by innovative expressions of modern development. Many cultures within our territory, particularly the Baltic States, have a strong affinity with design and aesthetics, with fashion and design being significant industries.
Fashion industry is thriving in the Northern Europe. Copenhagen Fashion Week is one of the major annual fashion events in Europe.
Credentials: Designer Trine Nielsen, copyright Copenhagen Fashion Week.
The region’s architecture is equally fascinating: innovative and experimental, yet functional and historically layered. It bears traces of medieval Central European urban styles, as well as influences from Jugend Stil and Functionalism.
Digitalisation has provided a route to development in the region. We have a strong community producing games, films, and TV content, and there is high capability in utilising digital platforms for creative industries.
A deep connection to nature is central to the identity of many nations in our region, with the Northern climate necessitating adaptation. Ecological sustainability is a pressing issue, both in the wilderness of the far north and in the more densely populated southern areas and large cities.
Sauna culture is booming especially in Estonia and Finland. Sauna is an important part of Helsinki’s urban history.
Credentials: Helsinkikuvia.fi
The CLC North co-location centre operates out of Kaapelitehdas (link: https://www.kaapelitehdas.fi/en/) in Helsinki. Kaapelitehdas, the birthplace of Nokia’s global industrial success and now the largest cultural hub in Northern Europe, is the ideal location to host the development of the cultural and creative sectors.
From this home base, arise the major themes of our co-location centre: Innovative, Sustainable and Resilient Leadership in the Cultural and Creative Sectors. We aim to enhance the development of sustainable, agile organisations and business models within the creative and cultural fields, enabling them to face the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world economy.
Towards a Resilient and Sustainable Future!
Moss People by Kim Simonsson
Kati Uusi-Rauva
CLC Director North
