East Asia : The Global-Regional Dynamic

Abstract

This chapter argues that there are two ways of reframing the globalization of culture. The first follows the time-honored model, referred to here as ’the economics of foreign programmes’. The emphasis is on the sale of finished cultural goods and services in international markets. The second accounts more for intermediate inputs and the transfer of knowledge about formats, co-productions and franchises. Exploitation of the second model has allowed East Asia to expand its cultural economy, both regionally and internationally. The second model also lends itself to government intervention, not so much in terms of protectionism, but in industry facilitation that allows creative businesses to climb the value chain.