Dr. Şafak Şahin explores creative landscapes: A comparative look at the UK and Turkey

Dr. Şafak Şahin is at the forefront of international collaborations aimed at boosting the creative industries’ value in Turkey. With a wealth of experience in both countries, Şahin evaluates the creativity ecosystems in England and Turkey, delving into the respective paths they have taken in this field and shedding light on their strengths and weaknesses.

Budget Allocation for Creative Industries

A £50 Billion Commitment: One noteworthy aspect Şahin highlights is the substantial budget allocated to creative industries by the UK government. By 2030, this budget is set to reach a staggering £50 billion. Şahin draws parallels between the UK and Turkey’s creative landscapes, emphasizing the role of systematic institutions and collaboration between industry representatives and the Creative Industries Council in driving progress. Turkey has also made strides in this direction with initiatives like the TOBB Creative Industries Council, Creative Industries Council, and ISTKA.

Fostering Creativity

A Tale of Two Countries: Şahin begins by comparing creative individuals in the UK and Turkey. In the UK, creatives often pursue their fields out of passion rather than financial motives, resulting in the production of deeply personalized and risk-taking work. In contrast, Turkish creatives have harnessed their need for effectiveness, producing highly functional products that offer substantial contributions to various industries. Moreover, the UK boasts numerous institutions that promote planned and strategic progress in creative industries, buoyed by the substantial budget allocation.

The UK’s Ecosystem for Creativity and Culture

The UK’s culture of discussion and sharing, rooted in its history, plays a pivotal role in nurturing artists and designers. The practice of gathering for idea sharing, whether through Q&A sessions, networking events, or social meetings, fuels creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation. Additionally, the UK’s multiculturalism, international collaborations, and urban planning solutions contribute to a fertile environment for creative sparks.

Academic Endeavors and International Collaboration

Dr. Şafak Şahin conducts academic programs and workshops with international students in England through the Global Banking School (GBS). These programs cover areas such as marketing, creative communication, advertising, and innovation, reflecting students’ eagerness to enhance their knowledge of marketing in both Turkey and the UK.

The Bahçeşehir University Creative Industries Center’s Mission

The Bahçeşehir University Creative Industries Research and Application Center (BAUKEM), founded by faculty members, aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of creative industries. It facilitates collaborations, workshops, research, and training to harness Turkey’s creative human resources. Past initiatives include research on Istanbul’s entertainment scene, co-authored books, and workshops supported by organizations like Sony Turkey and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Continuous Self-Improvement

Dr. Şahin shares her personal commitment to growth, especially in the realm of design, which is integral to advertising. She seeks to integrate her expertise with international perspectives through applied studies, ultimately planning to explore visual concepts through artificial intelligence tools, contributing to academic discourse.

Adapting to Changing Technology and Trends

To stay current with technology and trends in creative and cultural industries, Şahin relies on valuable news sources and networks with academics and professionals. She keeps an eye on events like Gamescom, Annecy, Cannes Lions, Crystal Apple, and Bett Show, either in person or online. These events showcase not only the latest innovations but also creative applications of technology.

Unlocking Creativity: The Power of Synthesis

Dr. Şahin advises aspiring professionals to embrace a multidisciplinary approach. She emphasizes the importance of drawing from diverse disciplines such as philosophy, history, mathematics, and art. Creativity, she asserts, is the art of synthesis—blending knowledge and experience to unearth the unique and innovative. Such an approach, combined with technical and artistic skills, can lead to sought-after careers that add value to industries while providing a deeper understanding of the world.