Jacobs sees cities as uniquely positioned to attract creative people, who in turn help spur economic growth.[1] Florida himself names New Zealand as a place with the potential to embrace this new approach to economic development. The reasons he gives are that we have a small, nimble society which has a high level of social cohesion as well as exhibiting the three T’s of economic development. [2] He suggests that with a commitment to open-mindedness and tolerance, as well as being able to ‘mobilize their own creative energy from all segments of society’, we have a good chance of competing effectively for global talent. [3] We need to realise our ‘capability not just to spur innovation and creativity, but to respond to and to internalize the tensions and externalities the creative economy implies.’[4] Sir Peter Hall, in his analysis of historically creative cities, makes an interesting point about the relationship of structural uncertainty to the enhancement of creativity in cities.[5] According to his observations, Auckland is well placed in this period of transition to begin a transformation of its social relationships and its values and views of the world; and to progress into new unexplored modes of organisation.[6] This kind of environment, observes Hall, delivers opportunities for the development of a creative milieu and as such, a creative city.[7]
Page 11 of 11
View recommendations
View resources
Return to start
[1] Florida, p. 32
[2] Ibid., p. 176
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Hall, p. 645
[6] Ibid., p. 646
[7] Ibid.