Whether intentional or not, government actions undoubtedly shape how a country is perceived. As geopolitical tensions rise, many governments are taking assertive steps to define their own stories, and, at times, those of others. This blog considers the ways in which governments are operationalising soft power, and what the impact of their actions might be.

The UK Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan was published today. If you are are sitting in an academic department, creative business or think tank with a research or policy budget, want to influence the future of the policy, and don’t have big summer plans, what might the Sector Plan mean for you over the next six months?

The term ‘CreaTech’ - the fusion of emerging technology and the Creative Industries - has gained remarkable traction in the UK, and on the global stage. As innovative technologies shape new forms of artistic expression and drive productivity in traditional and emerging creative sectors, the question arises: How much economic benefit might CreaTech actually deliver?

Over the past century, Britain’s influence across the world has become increasingly reliant on soft power. Think the BBC World Service, the globe-trotting royals, our creative industries, the British Council. But we are in danger of throwing our trump cards away.