Opinion: A decade of renaissance for the creative industries?

From the explosion of Google to the recent surge of interactive social media like Facebook and Twitter, people are consuming media and communications in a way that was difficult to conceive even at the dawn of the new millennium.
These new and evolving forms of communication are, undoubtedly, a great way to create discussion, debate, voice and opinion. News is now truly owned by everyone and the influence of the individual can be recognised through the likes of Wikipedia, with brands being either promoted or destroyed by virtual communities.
Inevitably, greater access to multiple modes of customisable communications technologies means there is no room in the marketplace for average. In today's business world, creative industries must constantly push boundaries, in order to drive change and meet - and exceed - consumers' expectations. Technological advances have removed barriers of distance and neither businesses nor governments can afford to think in rectangular boxes.
Not only has the way we create, distribute and enjoy creative content changed immeasurably in the last ten years, but the boundaries between different sectors have changed as well.
The value of partnerships and knowledge sharing between creative professionals and those in for example, education or health, continues to grow.
Increasingly, the contribution creative businesses make to economic regeneration, culture and community agendas is also being recognised. Most recently, the legacy of Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture has helped our region to rediscover its cultural roots and showcase the incredible pool of creative people, businesses and ideas on offer.
There's a real sense of confidence and excitement about the next generation of innovators and it's now vital that creative businesses build on this momentum, by continuing to challenge themselves and embrace the full range of emerging opportunities. There is no doubt we are in the midst of a massive transformation, but it may be another decade between we can fully assess the true impact of the changes that have taken place.

Stuart Jackson is Chief Executive of ICE, which has just marked its tenth birthday