Creative Economies Forum 2026 - How to prepare for the next decade? The Future of Creative Entrepreneurship

The Creative Economies Forum 2026, hosted by the Zurich University of the Arts, is an annual gathering designed to foster innovation and collaboration within the creative industries. This year's forum will focus on preparing for the next decade, exploring new business models, and shaping the future of creative entrepreneurship. It brings together entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators from across Switzerland and beyond for a day of exchange and discussion.

What to expect

• Insights from leading experts and entrepreneurs in creative industries
• Pitches from participants of the Z-Kultor's incubator programme
• Networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders
• Discover the Z-Kultor Anniversary Report and alumni experiences

Speakers

Stephan SigristFounder and Head at W.I.R.E.Richie ManuProgramme Director, Creative Enterprise at Central Saint MartinsReta GuetgFestival Director at Zurich Film Festival

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Agenda

1. Arrival Coffee & Check-in Start the day with refreshments and registration 2. Official Welcome Prof. Christoph Weckerle, Director Zurich Centre for Creative Economies, will open the forum 3. Creative Entrepreneurship @ZHDK Short inputs on the first 10 years of creative entrepreneurship at ZHDK 4. Creative Economies Data Update Roman Page, Research Fellow, ZCCE, will present an update on creative economies data 5. Career Navigator Dr. Karin Stowasser, Head of Transfer, ZCCE, will guide attendees through career development 6. Keynote #1: Re:Wire Dr. Stephan Sigrist will deliver a keynote on linking creative industries and the cultural sector with the economy and society

Who should attend

This forum is ideal for creative entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators, and professionals interested in the future of creative industries, new business models, and strategic development. Anyone looking to expand their network and gain insights into the evolving creative economy will benefit.

About the host

The Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK) is one of Switzerland's leading arts universities, dedicated to education, research, and production in the fields of art, design, music, dance, theatre, film, and transdisciplinary studies. It actively supports innovation and entrepreneurship within the creative sector.