CREATIVE CLUSTERS IN BERLIN: ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE QUALITY OF PLACE IN PRENZLAUER BERG AND KREUZBERG |
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Authors: | Barbara Heebels Irina van Aalst |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80115, NL‐3508 TC Utrecht, The NetherlandsE‐mail: B.Heebels@geo.uu.nl;2. Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80115, NL‐3508 TC Utrecht, The NetherlandsE‐mail: i.vanaalst@geo.uu.nl |
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Abstract: | Urban creative clusters are currently a major focus of attention, as their prominent position in both local political and academic circles makes evident. Many authors stress the importance of spatial concentration for creative industries. However, only a few studies have focused on the individual entrepreneur. As a result, empirical evidence of the meaning of urban place as a site for social networks and a space for inspiration is still scarce. This is of some consequence as entrepreneurs provide a crucial link between creative activities and economic change and development. This study contributes to the existing literature by investigating how different creative entrepreneurs choose and evaluate their location. Using qualitative interviews with entrepreneurs in two creative clusters in the Berlin neighbourhoods Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg, this article shows the significance of the look and feel of specific places and explains how and for whom local networks are important. |
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Keywords: | creative industries entrepreneurship local networks Kreuzberg Prenzlauer Berg symbolic value |
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