Creative Center Skladová FMK UCM Trnava

By project REWARD

Published on 16 December 2024

Slovakia

Západné Slovensko

Trnava

About this good practice

The Creative Center Skladová FMK UCM Trnava (CCS), established by the Faculty of Mass Media Communication at the University of St. Cyril and Methodius, addresses challenges in retaining talent, bridging the skills gap, and fostering innovation in Trnava's creative industries. With a 650 m² facility and a €1.44 million investment (€400,000 allocated for technology), CCS offers state-of-the-art resources such as TV and sound studios for FMK TV and Rádio Aetter, a gaming hub, a VR lab, and an experimental photo studio. CCS focuses on providing practical experience for students and young professionals in gaming, audiovisual production, and esports. Programs include business incubation, professional mentoring, workshops, and game jams, creating opportunities for hands-on learning and industry-relevant skill development. The initiative connects students with local businesses and industry experts, fostering a collaborative environment that strengthens Trnava’s position as a regional creative hub. Since its launch in 2024, CCS has engaged over 500 participants, with surveys indicating that 30% plan to remain in the region or start businesses, addressing brain drain and boosting the local economy. CCS serves as a replicable model for integrating academia with creative industries to drive regional growth.

Expert opinion

The Creative Center Skladová FMK UCM Trnava (CCS) exemplifies a good practice in fostering talent retention, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration in the creative industries. Aligning with state-of-the-art models of creative hubs and business incubators, CCS integrates cutting-edge technology, hands-on learning, and industry partnerships to address local challenges such as skills gaps and brain drain. Its EUR 1,44M investment enabled to create an innovative supportive environment for students and professionals. Business incubation, mentoring, and game jams further enhance entrepreneurial potential. Strong early results, with 500+ participants engaged and 30% planning to stay or start businesses in Trnava, confirm the potential impact of the practice to reinforce regional growth. CCS represents a replicable model for regions seeking to bridge academia and industry and boost digital and creative sectors. Initiatives like CCIs are especially well suited to promote entrepreneurial activities in future-oriented sectors, thus fostering successful industrial transformation in the long run.

Luc Schmerber

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

The Creative Center Skladová (CCS) was funded by university resources, grants, and a Ministry of Culture call co-financed with European Regional Development Fund. The €1.44M investment included €400,000 for technology and €72,000 from own sources to mobilize creative potential.

Evidence of success

Since 2023, the Creative Center Skladová (CCS) has engaged over 500 participants through workshops, game jams, and media projects, equipping them with skills in game development, audiovisual production, and digital media. It has supported 60 new jobs, with surveys suggesting 30% of students plan to start businesses or remain in Trnava, addressing local talent retention. The initiative is in its first year of sustainability, with a long-term evaluation set for five years.

Potential for learning or transfer

The Creative Center Skladová (CCS) is a replicable model for regions aiming to bridge skills gaps, foster innovation, and retain talent. Its success lies in integrating education with practical industry applications, offering state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on programs, and strong collaboration with local businesses and government. Key success factors include securing diverse funding sources, aligning academic and industry needs, and creating community-driven initiatives like game jams and workshops. However, challenges like achieving financial independence and sustaining participant engagement may hinder transferability. Early-stage collaboration with local stakeholders and tailored programs to regional needs can mitigate these barriers. CCS's structure and programs could be adapted to other NUTS 2 regions, particularly those with untapped creative industry potential, enabling regions to retain talent, boost innovation, and develop local economies.