A roadmap for creativity

An international conference titled ‘Creative Bridges: Italy and Izmir’ was organized as part of the “Create in Izmir” project, launched under the leadership of Izmir University of Economics (IUE) with the aim of making the Aegean Region a hub for creativity. Speaking at the opening of the event, which featured four separate panels with participation from field experts, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “Creative industries are at the heart of economic and social transformation. We are honored to host this meeting that brings together creative minds from two countries, Turkey and Italy, both deeply rooted in culture, design, and innovation.”

The ‘Creative Bridges: Italy and Izmir’ titled conference, which focused on innovative ideas shaping the future of creative industries, sustainable design practices, and cross-cultural collaborations, was held at Izmir Architecture Center. Organized in cooperation with the Italian Consulate in Izmir, the conference brought together academics, designers, and business representatives from both Italy and Turkey.

“THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING”

The day-long conference, which attracted significant attendance, offered a multidisciplinary discussion environment across design, fashion, architecture, entrepreneurship, and technology. Simultaneous English-Turkish translation was provided at the conference. Speaking at the opening, Italian Consul in Izmir Daniele Bianchi emphasized their exemplary collaboration within the Create in Izmir project. Bianchi expressed that many significant figures from the creative industries had come together in Izmir and that this was just the beginning, and that they would continue to build on this strong partnership with new initiatives.

“KEY TO ECONOMIC GROWTH”

Selami Özpoyraz, President of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce Assembly (IZTO), stated that creative industries have become one of the main factors determining a country’s competitiveness. Özpoyraz said, “Creativity is seen not just as an artistic talent, but as a key to economic growth, social transformation, and international collaboration. Creative industries emerging in fields such as design, fashion, architecture, technology, and entrepreneurship are now core elements of national competitiveness. In this regard, the coming together of two countries with strong cultural heritage and creative potential, like Turkey and Italy, is not just an academic discussion but a strategic move shaping future vision. While the ‘Made in Italy’ concept represents global quality and aesthetics in creative industries, Turkey’s young, dynamic, and productive creative generation has great potential to advance this shared vision.”

“NOT A LUXURY, BUT A NECESSITY”

Noting that the business world sees creativity not as a luxury, but a necessity Özpoyraz said, “Advancing technologies, changing consumer behaviors, and sustainability pressures are pushing companies to develop creative solutions. At this point, collaborations between universities and creative industries are of vital importance. As businesspeople, we believe creativity is not only a personal skill but also a tool for institutional and societal transformation. We are proud that Izmir University of Economics is part of this transformation.”

ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM EMPHASIS

Emphasizing that universities play a crucial role in developing creative industries, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “The Create in Izmir project aims to promote creative and innovative economic development and build a strong, interconnected entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering cooperation between cultural and creative industries, manufacturing, and tourism sectors. The project is supported by the European Union and the Ministry of Industry and Technology. It is also coordinated by our University in partnership with the Aegean Young Businesspeople Association (EGIAD), Izmir Development Agency (IZKA), and Izmir Foundation. I would like to thank our funders and partners for making this project possible. Creative industries are at the core of global economic and social transformation. Universities play a key role in this picture by promoting critical and creative thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global engagement-all essential for a thriving creative economy. We are honored to host this gathering of creative minds and professionals from Turkey and Italy, two countries deeply connected to culture, design, and innovation.

“IZMIR COULD BECOME A HUB FOR NOMADS”

Speaking at the “Collaborative Networks and Innovation” panel held during the event, Emre Kızılgüneşler, Vice Chairman of the IZTO Board, shared insights on Izmir’s vision for the future. Suggesting that Izmir could become a significant center for ‘digital nomads’ who conduct their work online regardless of location such as home, office, or other spaces, Kızılgüneşler said, “Locations like Bali, Thailand, and Zanzibar are attractive hubs for entrepreneurship. Young minds need focus, and one aspect of that could be digital nomads within the Creative in Izmir program. If we could build a town in Izmir specifically for nomads, they could share the same space with their peers and exchange ideas. İzmir could become a hub for nomads.”

“A DIGITAL CENTER FOR STUDENTS ALSO”

Proposing to also create a digital center targeting students under the age of 15, Kızılgüneşler said, “There, we could teach children as young as 8 or 9 analytical thinking skills related to entrepreneurship. We could bring together high-IQ children and instill important insights in areas such as space and artificial intelligence.” Emphasizing the importance of R&D and innovation, Kızılgüneşler added, “A company can't function without electricity; just like it can’t operate properly without R&D.”