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Greater Washington's Creative Workforce: Study Overview


Study Purpose & Key Questions:

GWI’s creative sector study will examine the region’s creative workforce. The study will focus on the sector’s workforce trends, characteristics, support structure, and future challenges. In addition, this creative class study will examine the region’s technology, talent, and tolerance.

The study will answer the following questions:

  1. Using the creative economy 3T indicators – technology, talent, tolerance, how does Greater Washington compare to other competitive regions?
  2. What are the general characteristics of Greater Washington’s creative workforce? Why do creative workers choose Greater Washington?
  3. What amenities do Greater Washington’s creative workforce look for in an employer and a livable region? Are these available in the region?
  4. How many people are employed in the creative sector in Greater Washington? Which creative occupations have grown the fastest in the region? What are the projections for Greater Washington’s creative occupations?
  5. How do Greater Washington’s creative firms compare to other similar regions? How has this sector changed over the last 7 years? Where are creative clusters located throughout the region?
  6. How many students are enrolled in area university programs focused on the creative sector? Do these programs mirror the creative occupations and firms in Greater Washington?

Why Should GWI Conduct this Study?

With an understanding of the region’s creative sector, GWI will be able to market the region’s unique position in the creative market. GWI’s creative study will be the first to combine a 3T -- technology, talent and tolerance – analysis and occupational evaluation, with a perception survey to fully measure the region’s creative sector. The study will provide the following:

  • Accurate measurement of an increasingly important sector of the regional economy
  • Improved analysis and information for GWI and regional economic development partners to facilitate the expansion of Greater Washington’s creative industry clusters
  • Comprehensive understanding of the workforce challenges facing the region’s creative sector and its future expansion
    •

    Creative Workforce Defined:

    GWI has defined Greater Washington’s creative workforce to include the following industries/ occupation classifications:

  • Computer and mathematics
  • Architecture and engineering
  • Life, physical, and social science
  • Education, training, and library
  • Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media.

    • Expected Release:

    Online and printed overview will be available September/ October, 2006.


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    Greater Washington Initiative
    (202) 857-5999