Beyond the Value Chain: A Perspective on Research in Creative Eco-system

The linear thinking of value chain was questioned inefficient while being applied to creative industries analysis. Inspired by ecology, the author analyzed the complex construction of creative industries, and its interaction with the environment and the interplay among the agents; also, the author argued that there is a converting process from cultural capital to economic value, which makes creative industries distinguished from other economic sector. As an open system, the creative industries are part of the city ecosystem; creativity is city's competitiveness. Therefore, the author suggested taking a perspective of ecological system to creative industries, and setting a diversified evaluation mechanism for the creative industries.