Aim
AHRC’s Creative Industries Clusters bring together universities, businesses, local and regional policymakers, and private funders to drive research, innovation and growth in the creative industries. Led by UK universities, the clusters create research and development (R&D) driven commercial opportunities, strengthen regional capabilities and deliver real world impacts. They are a proven route to co-investment, leverage and the creation of jobs, skills, products and experiences that bring economic, social and cultural benefits to regions and the UK.
Scope
We are inviting proposals to establish four new Creative Industries Clusters (clusters) that will seek to address gaps in the reach and coverage of previous and existing clusters.
The focus of the next round of clusters will be to:
- broaden the geographical reach of the clusters portfolio enabling new regions to gain from the benefits of hosting a Cluster or expand the cluster model into sub-sectors and challenges not addressed in previous rounds
- contribute to delivery of the UK’s Creative Industries Sector Plan (PDF, 11MB) objectives (growth, skills and wider impact)
- directly address known sector challenges as part of their work including, but not limited to:
- skills and talent development
- equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
- business growth
- environmental sustainability
Additionally
AHRC is also interested in exploring clusters that are underpinned by cross-disciplinary collaboration in key priority areas, including where there is potential for impact beyond the creative sector.
We specifically welcome applications that explore the intersection of AHRC and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) research, for example between creative industries, digital technologies and ICT such as:
- human computer interactions
- experimental psychology
- robotics and haptics
- responsible artificial intelligence
- extended reality
- other audio, visual, speech and senses technologies
At least 50% of cluster activity must be within the remit of AHRC. Please make it clear in your application that your proposal is interdisciplinary and identify which sector it would include.
Core cluster objectives
Each cluster will be required to meet the following set of core objectives:
- generate economic growth, social and cultural benefits, including protecting existing and creating new jobs within the sector
- create an ecosystem for new and experimental creative content, products, services and experiences
- generate long-term strategic applied research partnerships between creative enterprises, higher education institutions (HEIs) and other relevant sectoral or local stakeholders
- improve creative businesses’ access to the skills, knowledge and expertise they require to develop new innovative products and services, including through training and skills development
- address key place-based or sector issues through an applied research programme
- address key equality, diversity and inclusion challenges for the creative sector, through applied research programmes
- ensure activities or approaches are working toward or will have a positive environmental or sustainable impact
Key requirements and expectations
Core characteristics
Each cluster must:
- work within an existing place-based creative industries ecosystem as defined or evidenced, for example, by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC)
- be hosted by an HEI working in partnership with at least one other HEI or an independent research organisation
- have industry partners integrated throughout the entire programme, from governance to delivery
- be led by industry need, responding to opportunities and challenges within the geography they intend to serve
- have a realistic and deliverable plan to secure co-investment and leverage from industry and other sources
- have the infrastructural and resourcing, including staff capability, to deliver a large-scale collaborative research and development (R&D) programme
- provide flexible means for managing and supporting devolved funding of R&D activities to creative industries partners
- be highly interdisciplinary, collaborating across disciplines, departments and institutions
- in collaboration with industry, have designed an ambitious and innovative collaborative R&D programme which is focused on delivering challenge-led innovation. This must combine research capabilities with industry need and include a strong presence from the arts and humanities
- be flexible, responsive and embed continuous improvement
- propose a strong and sustainable model of collaboration, fully integrated with industry and other relevant stakeholders (local and regional policy makers, private funders and investors and other sector and skills bodies)
- has a clear shared vision and strategy for delivering economic growth and will generate positive legacy opportunities
- establish a robust management and governance structure that has clear buy-in from senior HEI leadership and equivalent senior leaders from industry and other partners
- address risk and responsible research and innovation including ethical approaches to innovation
- have plans for monitoring and evaluating the performance and impact of the cluster, including the leveraged funding committed within the bid
- build productive partnerships to support access to finance and routes to market for the collaborative R&D projects
- develop relevant links beyond the partnership members to other organisations and clusters of activity both in the UK and internationally that are relevant to the partnership’s work
- build and develop a digital presence that will match the ambition of the cluster’s activities
- record, publish and communicate on best practice emerging from cluster activities to support knowledge exchange and continuous improvement
- ensure EDI is embedded across all aspects of their programme including management and delivery
For more information on the background of this funding opportunity, g the Additional information section.
Management and operational structure
Clusters must have robust management and operational structures.
You should not underestimate the resources required to manage and deliver a multifaceted and multi-partner programme of this scale.
You are encouraged to carefully consider the appropriate management and operational support required, and covering the costs associated with this either through the main award or from other sources of funding. As well as appropriate research staff you should also identify programme management and operational staff and functions, for example, finance, communications and events. Additional roles could also include producer or industry focused roles appropriate to the cluster sector or geography. Clusters are encouraged to be innovative in staffing functions across the partnership.
Duration
The duration of this award is five years.
Projects must start by 1 February 2027.
Funding available
The total fund available is £27,000,000.
AHRC will contribute funding of up to £6,750,000 per application.
Except for devolved funding, AHRC will fund 80% of the FEC.
Devolved funding
Clusters must be highly collaborative, integrating HEI and creative industry partners on an equal basis. AHRC expects to see funding awarded to creative industry partners balanced against an appropriate co-investment from that partner (financial or otherwise) to demonstrate commitment to the project.
AHRC also expects clusters to provide flexible means of devolving funding for innovative R&D activities. This funding strand can support the participation of freelancers, micro-businesses and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). A minimum of 30% of the total budget should be devolved and will be funded at 100% of the FEC, other (non- exceptions) costs will be funded at 80% FEC in line with standard UKRI terms and conditions.
Activities supported via devolved funding must be entirely related to supporting and delivering R&D that contributes to the aims of the cluster. Funding should not support core business or overhead costs. The host HEI is responsible for ensuring that funding adheres to UK government’s subsidy control regime.
Co-investment and leverage
AHRC’s working definitions for co-investment and leverage are outlined as follows:
- co-investment is any funding secured as part of your application, also called match or pledged
- leverage is any funding attracted to the programme and connected activities that can reasonably be attributed to AHRC’s original funding
Acceptable sources of co-investment and leverage funding include:
- cash, capital or in-kind contributions from application partners, including the HEIs where the programme lead and co-leads are based, that is specifically aimed at supporting the objectives of the cluster
- cash or capital funding secured specifically by the applicant from other sources, to support activity within the partnership that has not already been allocated for other purposes
Unacceptable sources of co-investment and leverage funding include:
- funding that has already been committed prior to the commencement of the award
- funding that is not specifically aimed at supporting the objectives of the cluster. For example, R&D that is aligned with project aims, but would have happened anyway, or institutional commitment to related facilities, functions, or activities that are planned or implemented prior to the commencement of the award
- an HEI’s 20% contribution to the FEC
These sources must be able to be supported by an appropriate audit trail or evidence.
Clusters will be expected to leverage a minimum additional 50% of the total AHRC contribution from HEIs or partner organisations over the period of the award.
You will be expected to provide tangible details about the scale and sources of co-investment, along with a coherent strategy for using AHRC funding to obtain further leverage throughout the life of the project. You will be required to have achieved at least 30% towards the overall 50% committed leverage funding by the mid-term of your grant. Continuation of funding for the final two and a half years of the programme will be dependent on achieving this leverage funding.
Please note that based on our experience from previous Creative Industries Clusters we expect all clusters to significantly exceed this target.
What we will fund
We will fund up to four new clusters that demonstrate:
- clearly defined challenges that are also recognised by industry. AHRC recognises that through the process of undertaking R&D activity, the initial challenges identified at the point of application may need further refinement, in consultation with industry, particularly during the first year of the award when exploratory or experimental collaborative work can be conducted
- a collaborative and cross-disciplinary R&D programme of activities and devolved funding schemes that are centred on a defined sectoral or place-based challenge
- a programme of R&D activities that will generate business innovation and growth
- how the programme of activities and funding schemes will create economic growth. For example, through the development of new products, services or experiences or through the creation or safeguarding of jobs across the sector ecosystem
The types of R&D activity could include, but is not limited to:
- creative research that prototypes and explores experiences with audiences and users
- creation of multidisciplinary research capabilities that can respond to creative industry needs and challenges. For example, exploration of new business models and intellectual property (IP) strategies within the context of specific new products, services or experiences
- experimental studios or labs to explore new products, services, and experiences
- support for access to finance and routes to market for the commercialisation of products and services
- training and development opportunities through apprenticeships, placements, secondments and staff exchanges, as well as continuing professional development, entrepreneurial or skills programmes that support pipelines for talent
- co-working, shared networking space and facilities
- providing opportunities for networking and making connections to grow the regional sector infrastructure this could include events, showcases and interactive demonstrations
Clusters must have a carefully considered and impactful EDI framework that speaks to sector specific challenges as well as demonstrating excellent practice in approaches to management, governance and delivery. They must also demonstrate how their activities and delivery programme support environmental sustainability approaches and practices.
Clusters should include a flexible approach to funding to allow them to be responsive to new opportunities and change during the lifetime of the programme. This is not to be considered contingency funding, but rather to enable a programme of this breadth and scale to be responsive to market and technological change and to respond to the success or failure of specific activity.
Where appropriate funding can be used to support capital projects that are necessary and aligned to the clusters aim. This must be clearly explained in your resources and cost justification.
What we will not fund
AHRC will not fund purely theoretical research, critical studies or historical analysis except where a strong case can be made that it is a central component of the innovation required to solve the challenges identified by the cluster.
Funding for PhD studentships is not permitted. Clusters are encouraged to offer placements or projects to PhD students funded through existing UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) schemes.
Working with AHRC
Creative Industries Clusters will be managed by AHRC. They will be expected to work collaboratively together as part of a cohort, sharing expertise, experience and opportunities. There will be numerous opportunities to participate in key events, showcases and briefings and to champion the portfolio for, and with, AHRC. You should expect high levels of AHRC engagement throughout the project.
A mid-programme performance review will be conducted by AHRC for assurance purposes. Continued funding until the end of the programme will be dependent on a successful mid programme review.
Clusters are expected to carry out their own independent evaluation that focuses on their specific activities and needs.
More information on governance, monitoring, reporting, evaluation, communications and public engagement will be available and required for the full application.
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
The UKRI equality, diversity and inclusion strategy 2022 to 2026 promotes the need to foster an inclusive and diverse research and innovation system, ‘by everyone, for everyone’. AHRC recognises that there are many challenges and opportunities for the creative industries in this space. Clusters are expected to pay due regard to EDI across all aspects of their proposal and programme.
While the issues and challenges vary by sub-sector there are several challenges pertinent to the creative industries that require consideration.
These include but are not limited to:
- social mobility and barriers faced by entrants from specific socio-economic backgrounds
- opportunities for early carer researchers, research technical professionals, inclusive career pathways and entry points
- diversity in management structures, governance and decision making
- accountability for embedding EDI considerations and good practice
- working with diverse stakeholders to explore EDI across the sector particularly with industry partners and policymakers
- use of data, collection, consistency, monitoring and management, including GDPR compliance
- diversity of communities that engage with research, development and innovation including through public engagement
As part of your application, you will be required to produce an EDI statement that will outline your overarching aim and approach to EDI across your programme.
Environmental sustainability
The UKRI Environmental Sustainability Strategy sets out our public commitment to reach net zero carbon operations by 2040, from a 2017 to 2018 baseline. The strategy also sets out a commitment to integrate environmental sustainability criteria into all investment decisions.
To compliment this commitment, UKRI has recently signed up to the cross-sector concordat for the environmental sustainability of research and innovation practice.
In 2023 the Creative Industries Council published the Creative Climate Charter outlining eight principles for how the UK’s creative sector can use its “collective imagination, economic influence and leadership” to reduce its environmental impact and tackle the climate crisis.
As part of your application, you will be required to produce an environmental sustainability statement that will outline your overarching aim and approach to EDI across your programme.
Our governance
AHRC’s Creative Industries team are responsible for delivery of the Creative Industries Clusters and report into the Governance Board that will include cross UKRI and cross AHRC representation. The board will be chaired by the senior responsible officer (SRO) and meet every two months.
The Creative Industries Advisory Group (CIAG) will work alongside the governance board and programme team to provide strategic input to the clusters, providing advice and connections with the Creative Industries Council.
To promote the clusters, encourage collaboration, explore wider research questions and develop and inform policy, key stakeholders and other AHRC investments including:
- the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre
- the CoSTAR delivery and governance teams
- the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
- the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) Cluster steering board
Clusters must ensure they have a robust governance structure in place which all partners are integrated within and committed to. They will be required to have a steering board to oversee strategy and direction, provide developmental support, constructive challenge on process and practice, manage risks and monitor delivery against key performance indicators Clusters must ensure that they have appropriate, diverse and inclusive membership to perform these responsibilities.
Membership should include senior managers from the HEI partners (pro-vice-chancellor level), senior level representation from the relevant creative industry partners, and representatives from external stakeholders such as relevant local or regional organisations and sector bodies. The steering board will also include a representative from the AHRC.
Supporting skills and talent
In line with the Creative Industries Sector Plan, you will be expected to demonstrate how you will develop opportunities to address known sectoral skills gaps as well as support talent development across all aspects of your programmes. AHRC recognises the close connection between EDI and skills and talent and encourages clusters to consider how their activities can support the intersectionality of these challenges.
Activities to support this can include, but are not limited to:
- HEI to industry or industry to HEI secondments
- industry or business management training
- sector specific up-skilling or training workshops
- fellowships
- new course modules or new degree courses, for example for continuous professional development (CPD)
- mentoring
- postgraduate training
- work placements and paid internships
We encourage you to follow the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and the Technician Commitment.
International collaboration
AHRC encourages clusters to consider international collaboration where you expect it to support business growth that will maximise the UK’s global standing. This work must be relevant, deliverable and will add value to the cluster’s programme and aim.
Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I)
UKRI is committed in ensuring that effective international collaboration in research and innovation takes place with integrity and within strong ethical frameworks. Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) is a UKRI work programme designed to help protect all those working in our thriving and collaborative international sector by enabling partnerships to be as open as possible, and as secure as necessary. Our TR&I Principles set out UKRI’s expectations of organisations funded by UKRI in relation to due diligence for international collaboration.
As such, applicants for UKRI funding may be asked to demonstrate how their proposed projects will comply with our approach and expectation towards TR&I, identifying potential risks and the relevant controls you will put in place to help proportionately reduce these risks.
See further guidance and information about TR&I, including where applicants can find additional support.
