Digital infrastructure underpins regional creative economy's national competitiveness

IDIEC Chairman Tesar Sandikapura said digital infrastructure can play a crucial role in supporting regional creative potential to compete nationally and serve as the backbone of a stronger creative economy.

“Without reliable internet, digital payment systems, and access to digital platforms, regional creative potential will struggle to develop optimally,” Tesar told ANTARA on Tuesday.

He stated that digital infrastructure forms the backbone of the creative economy, determining market access, supporting business efficiency, and enhancing regional creators’ ability to compete nationally.

Equitable digital infrastructure development can also boost digital talent among creative economy players by strengthening creative hubs and coworking spaces within a collaborative ecosystem.

“Creative economy stakeholders also require cloud support, digital training, and data-driven promotional technology to enable regional products to compete in national markets,” Tesar said.

“The government must prioritise three areas: equitable digital infrastructure, digital talent development, and strengthening collaborative ecosystems,” he added.

He added that creative zones bolstered by digital infrastructure must also include training, financing access, creative SME mentoring, and connections to national digital markets to broaden local products’ market reach.