Understanding What Young Creatives Need: Key Insights from the DigiCreate Survey & Focus Groups
DigiCreate has published its official Survey & Focus Group Report, consolidating 90 responses from young people in the Cultural & Creative Industry (CCI) across Germany, Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
The aim: to better understand the digital and creative skills landscape and identify what young creators need to succeed.
- Young creators want practical, hands-on learning
Participants consistently expressed a preference for training that is concrete, applicable, and closely connected to real creative work. Practice-first formats (workshops, project tasks, demonstrations, etc.) were viewed as the most effective.
- Digital and emerging technology skills remain a critical gap
Many young people possess basic digital literacy, but the report shows strong demand for advanced skills in:
- digital content production and editing
- AI-assisted creative work
- social media strategy
- immersive and emerging technologies
- Community, collaboration, and visibility are essential
A lack of peer connection was a repeated theme. Young participants want:
- collaborative spaces
- mentorship
- opportunities to share work and gain recognition
- Flexibility in learning formats
Hybrid models, micro-learning, and modular courses were highlighted as the most suitable for young people balancing studies, work, or freelance projects.
- Persistent barriers
The report identifies several structural obstacles, including:
- limited access to creative tools and software
- financial constraints
- lack of structured guidance or mentorship
- digital inequalities between regions
What this means for DigiCreate
These insights will guide the development of the DigiCreate training modules and the Online Creative Hive Toolbox, a multilingual and open-access resource designed to strengthen creative and digital confidence and to support young people navigating Europe’s evolving creative landscape.
Download the full Report (D3.1): D3.1-Surveys and Focus Group Discussions Report
