Sustainability|Special Issue: Cultural Industries and Sustainable Development

1. The Origin and Core Issues of This Special Issue

In response to the pandemic, many activities in human society have had to change, which has allowed us to re-examine past ways of getting along with the world. The concept of sustainable development, whether considered at the theoretical level or in the promotion of practical applications, still requires further efforts from us. After all, design and cultural creativity will eventually be implemented into specific designs. The complexity of the design itself requires careful consideration in all aspects. In the field of engineering in particular, how can we make designs more in line with human nature? How can we implement the spirit and concept of sustainable development in the process of R&D? This requires mutual cooperation between designers, engineers, and companies. Meanwhile, how to make consumers more rational and encourage them to realize the necessity and urgency of sustainable development through design and creativity is also worthy of further consideration. In the field of cultural industry, it is also worth thinking about how to strike a balance between “design thinking” and “design decision” in order to meet the vision of sustainable development. This Special Issue is focused on discussing the development, application, potential, and boundary of cultural industries, as well as creative practices, from the perspective of sustainable development. Thus, theoretical research via scrupulous literature reviews in various fields of design, and empirical studies of significant design cases are welcome.

2. The Goal and Topics of This Special Issue

The concept of sustainable development refers to four distinct areas—human, social, economic, and environmental—known as the four pillars of sustainability. The concept of sustainable development appeared for the first time in 1987 with the publication of the Brundtland Report, which warned of the negative environmental consequences of economic growth and globalization and tried to find possible solutions to the problems caused by industrialization and population growth. Whether considered at the theoretical level or in the promotion of practical applications, greater efforts are still needed from us.

Cultural industries are a challenge for the future of culture. This field includes four main topics, namely features, domination, individualization, and the characterization of the culture industry itself. The purpose of cultural industries is important for ensuring the continued development of society and is at the heart of a creative economy for generating considerable economic wealth. Cultural industries foster the development of new products and the redesign of traditional products, offering a profound knowledge basis upon which future research and innovation can build.

In essence, industry and sustainability run in opposite directions, so how to connect “Cultural Industries and Sustainable Development” becomes a challenging issue. Therefore, this Special Issue, entitled “Cultural Industries and Sustainable Development” [1], is focused on discussing the development, application, potential, and boundaries of cultural industries to create sustainable development from the perspective of “design thinking”. Thus, theoretical research via scrupulous literature reviews in various areas of design, and empirical studies of significant design cases are welcome.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Frameworks for cultural industries and sustainable development that include creativity and critical thinking;
• Theory and practice within cultural industries and sustainable development approaches;
• Cultural industries and sustainable development of cross-disciplines;
• Design implementation for sustainable development;
• The study of creative design strategy;
• Designs for society;
• Special design case studies.

3. Results and Discussion

Design and cultural creativity will eventually be implemented into specific designs. The complexity of the design itself requires careful consideration in all aspects and especially in the field of engineering. How can we make designs more in line with human nature? How can we implement the spirit and concept of sustainable development in the cultural industry? This all requires mutual cooperation between designers, engineers, and companies. Meanwhile, how to make consumers realize the necessity and urgency of sustainable development through cultural industries also needs to be considered. We must consider how the trade-off between “culture” and “industry” can meet the vision of sustainable development.

The articles in this Special Issue can be divided into four categories, which will be discussed in detail below.

3.1. Study of Tourism in Relation to Sustainability

The COVID-19 pandemic has been causing considerable difficulties for the global travel industry since the end of 2019. Tourism has recovered to a certain extent in some countries or regions as the pandemic gradually recedes. In spite of this, it may take some time before tourism returns to its normal state. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has also taken the opportunity to reflect on past models that could have potential problems, which has prompted the industry to reform itself. Even though this is not unexpected, the tourism sector has also been given the opportunity to rethink its strategy. As tourism develops in the future, it will pay more attention to its sustainability and positive interaction with tourists. There are some countries and regions that have enacted policies relating to this issue. As part of the effort to create a sustainable tourism industry, many new concepts have been proposed.

3.1.1. Contribution 2: Sustainable Development Assessment of Cultural and Creative Industries in Casino Cities: A Case Study of Macao

Consequently, contribution 2 focuses on the service innovation based on the Macao government’s proposal of eight cultural and creative industries (CCIs) policies [2]. This study organized an industrial feasibility analysis for these eight CCIs. Thus, this study adopted the concept of creative industries to propose an approach for positioning these eight CCIs to choose existing industries in Macao, such as the exhibition, gambling, and cultural tourism industries, which are likely to promote CCIs. It is suggested that the performing arts, design, and visual arts industries should be prioritized, and the heritage management and digital media industries are advised to be developed from local culture to the global market.

3.1.2. Contribution 7: Eliciting Brand Loyalty with Elements of Customer Experience: A Case Study on the Creative Life Industry

The Creative Life Industry (CLI) is an experiential industry in Taiwan. Contribution 7 aims to show how designing valuable realms of experience can generate brand loyalty in customers, and focuses on how the CLI is experienced [3]. The findings indicate that many elements play a role within the realms of experience in CLI businesses. These include cultural experience interest, relaxing and entertaining programs, guided tours with educational and aesthetic meaning, living aesthetic program relatability, architectural style and aesthetics, fashionable product design, the differences between living design and routine life, and the uniqueness of service facilities. Theoretical and practical implications are provided for CLI businesses and researchers. Moreover, elements of escapist and aesthetic experiences have more significant effects on brand loyalty for sustainable development than other types of experience.

3.1.3. Contribution 8: How the Experience Designs of Sustainable Festive Events Affect Cultural Emotion, Travel Motivation, and Behavioral Intention

Festivals play an important role in local culture, as discussed in contribution 8 [4]. They not only attract a large number of tourists, but also are one of the most direct ways to promote local culture. Based on tourism, this study aims to explore how festival experiences affect cultural feelings, travel motivations, and behavioral intentions. Moreover, cultural emotion is a critical component in designing influential festive event experiences that evoke travel motivation and behavioral intention. A combination of virtual and in-person experiences or personal and group exchanges would be ideal. Organizers should consider including emotional elements in their festive events in addition to originality. The inclusion of cultural elements can also foster “shared” experiences between locals and visitors, diversifying urban landscapes and strengthening community interaction. Organizers can plan festive events that align with consumers’ expectations, distinguish festive events from other community events, and add uniqueness and originality to their events to foster culture and sustainability.

3.2. Study of Cross-Culture Design in Relation to Sustainability

Recently, cross-border thinking has gradually become mainstream, and cross-cultural design has achieved many successful results. Modern design has the opportunity to achieve true sustainability through this approach. It is also possible for the design to be enhanced by the interweaving and collision of different cultures.

3.2.1. Contribution 4: Exploring Indigenous Craft Materials and Sustainable Design—A Case Study Based on Taiwan Kavalan Banana Fibre

With regard to tangible heritage, contribution 4 focuses on the use of banana fibers in the craft traditions of the Kavalan people of Taiwan, and research-through-design concepts were applied to the creative study of materials that are essential to ecological sustainability and cultural heritage [5]. The goal was to gain a holistic understanding of materials and leverage the participants’ expertise in determining which steps in the methods could be improved. Through the experiments, the findings regarding the examined materials and material trials for developing a material trial loop based on material-driven design can be combined with the unique insights and technical expertise of designers, being used alongside contemporary technical and digital aids to effectively support the continued development of innovative craft designs.

3.2.2. Contribution 5: The Relationship between Form and Ritual in Cultural Sustainability

Based on cultural heritage, tourism has become a timely issue in cultural industries. Contribution 5 used local culture to enhance the attraction and competitive advantage of national or regional tourism [6]. This study proposes a framework for exploring form and ritual and discusses the cultural industry from the “Hi-tech” of form to the “Hi-touch” of ritual through case studies. Three cases were analyzed and studied regarding how to improve local tourism development through the interaction between form and ritual. The study showed that this approach can integrate sustainable development into intangible cultural heritage tourism and can be further verified in other countries and regions. Hence, as a vital tourism resource, intangible cultural heritage can activate the in-depth experience of tourists for sustainable development.

3.2.3. Contribution 9: How Design Technology Improves the Sustainability of Intangible Cultural Heritage Products: A Practical Study on Bamboo Basketry Craft

In contribution 9, the authors argue that the lack of labor between design and manufacturing blocked the development of the bamboo basketry craft industry [7]. Therefore, based on the innovation theory, the authors’ team studied the design technology of bamboo basketry, and developed a series of tools to aid the bamboo basketry industry. The technology enables designers to quickly design and express weaving structures with full detail in digital models, rather than needing to make samples. The approach shows that the technology greatly improved the designers’ interest and confidence in conducting the innovative work. Although a systematic approach is lacking in this article, the authors argue that the practice shows that the sustainability of intangible cultural heritage products and the sustainability of the industry are closely related, and solving the latter is helpful to the former. The results presented in contribution 9 create an interface for looking at the way technology innovation design crosses over cultures, as well as illustrating the interwoven experience of craft and cultural industry in the innovation design process for sustainable development.

3.3. Study of Heritage in Relation to Sustainability

In relation to the previous topic, countries throughout the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of cultural heritage. As well as tangible items, such as artwork, crafts, and landscapes, cultural heritage consists of intangible items, such as family customs and beliefs. In this section, three articles are presented that deal with the topics listed above. It is essential that more attention be given to the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage. New ideas and cultures can also be created from the valuable legacies of the past.

3.3.1. Contribution 3: Inheritance of Traditional Family Values: A Comparative Study of Family Ancestral Shrines and Related Paintings of Lee Family

Considering the intangible cultural heritage, contribution 3 proposes family values to remind us that traditions within families are an often-unseen force that have a profound effect on people [8]. In this article, first, the meaning and value of family traditional inheritance were explored, alongside potential manifestations. Then, a conceptual framework is proposed, and the forms used to express “home” and “family traditions” are then further examined, considering the different media in the transmission of family traditions. Finally, the family memorial hall named “Qiyun Residence” was combined with a series of paintings called “Home Sweet Home”, created by members of the Lee family, to analyze and interpret family traditions. The importance of family values cannot be overstated, but they must be appropriately expressed. The examples presented in this article show how “tradition” can be transferred to “modernity” for cultural sustainability.

3.3.2. Contribution 6: K-Pop’s Global Success and Its Innovative Production System

In general, the clothing, pop music, film and video, animation, and publishing industries are not so beneficial for sustainable development. Contribution 6 focuses on the global music market, which has witnessed the rapid rise of Korean pop music (K-pop) [9]. Based on a historical analysis of Korea’s music industry, the study contends that the innovative production system of Korea’s music business has played a significant role in facilitating K-pop’s global success. To prove the argument, this study critically reviews the existing literature to present debates on how value is created in the music industry; cooperative and competitive interactions between firms within the music industry; and changes in the music industry’s competitive environment. This study determined that limited attention has been paid to the key players in the cultural industry and music businesses for sustainable development.

3.3.3. Contribution 11: A Pilot Study on Reproduction and Sustainable Development under the Promotion of Crafts: Taking Weaving in Taiwan as an Example

Last but not the least, contribution 11 analyzes the human touch of crafts and their value from the perspective of humanity and technology, and the attempts to make them reappear elegant and sustainably developed [10]. A conceptual model was proposed to interpret the communication and cognition between craftsmen and the general public. The feedback of three Taiwanese craftsmen in the field of weaving was used as the basis for follow-up discussion. As more and more people begin to pay attention to craftsmanship, how to make it sustainable is becoming more and more important. The article addresses three important aspects that need to be worked on in the future: emphasizing the cultivation of craftsmanship education; keeping pace with the times so that handicrafts continue to transform; and letting the crafts better reflect the true meaning of life. Future studies will address the limitations of such subjective opinions.

3.4. Study of Local Culture in Relation to Sustainability

Various cultures are merged in Taiwan, which is the subject of the last two articles. It is important to study the cultural sustainability of a particular region, whether it is the culture of indigenous peoples or the evolution of modern design. In most cases, people are more concerned with their own location’s cultural characteristics and the impact they have on their lives.

3.4.1. Contribution 1: Sustainable Development in Local Culture Industries: A Case Study of Taiwan Aboriginal Communities

Taiwan’s indigenous communities have an abundance of unique cultures. Their service industries, with their local cultures, have opened up distinct opportunities for sustainable development. However, the problem is how to shift from “local feature” to “global market”. The traditional emphasis on craftsmanship and design is shifting to a new focus on the service industries and experimental design, which is not limited to the design of tangible products. Design concepts are now being applied to service industries that span several fields and are also being used to come up with systematic solutions for real-life problems. Therefore, based on research, contribution 1 proposes a model of experience design for use in aboriginal culture revitalization [11]. Three different cases show how to apply the framework, from experience design to local revitalization. The results show that the model can integrate the principles of sustainability into service industries, and that it needs to be verified in future studies.

3.4.2. Contribution 10: Empirical Study on Design Trend of Taiwan (1960s–2020s): The Evolution of Theme, Diversity and Sustainability

In this Special Issue, we are happy to see contribution 10 make use of IT, by utilizing the Python program language to apply three algorithms to conduct text exploration based on the evolution of theme, diversity, and sustainability for design journals spanning the 1960s to 2020 [12]. The results show the following: in the 1960s–1980s, the evolution of design trends focused on evaluation strategies, technical practices, foreign cultures, digital design, multiculturalism, and design aesthetics, while in the 1990s it focused on emotional human factors, intelligent technology, and local culture. This indicates that current design needs to be stimulated by external environmental variations. Thus, local culture and intelligent technology are the main driving forces of the current design industry. The article reveals that sustainability was focused on technology, the market, and education during the 1960s–1980s; on the consumers, design education, and eco-design during the 1990s; and on the integration across fields during the 2000s–2020s. The final results show the current and future trends of the academic community, in addition to providing a reference for the study of design history in other areas of the world.

4. Conclusions

With increasing global competition, cultural industry is not merely desirable for a company; rather, it is mandatory. The importance of sustainable development is shown repeatedly in academic studies in all fields. However, there is a lack of a systematic approach that covers cultural industry and sustainable development. In this Special Issue, several approaches are proposed for applying service innovation design to the domain of cultural industries. These new approaches for tourism, culture, and heritage are presented herein to provide designers with a valuable reference for integrating “culture” into successful cross-cultural industries. The purpose of this Special Issue is to encourage “cultural industries” by connecting culture and industry, through which we can synthesize technology, humanity, and cultural creativity, thus achieving the aim of promoting “sustainable development” to the public.