Lauren Baker

Focussing on the topic of craft business development, the research seeks to uncover the long-term impact that Craft Scotland, Scotland's national development agency for craft, has on a makers' career, and consequently the creative economy.

This doctoral research project is part of the Collaborative Doctoral Awards programme, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) through the Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities (SGSAH), in partnership with the University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh and Craft Scotland.

Part of the Creative Economy Studentship cohort of 2017, the project is one of thirteen devised to shed light on the creative industries in Scotland. Focussing on the topic of craft business development, the research seeks to uncover the long-term impact that Craft Scotland, Scotland's national development agency for craft, has on a makers' career, and consequently the creative economy.

As such, the research imperative stems from within the craft industry itself, with the parameters of the research being set by the industry partner. As a form of 'creative business support', it has been established that a gap exists within academic research that explores the relationship between agents such as Craft Scotland and the users they serve. Drawing from design methods and entrepreneurial theory, this research is an opportunity to evaluate Craft Scotland’s role as a support organisation within a live context, as they work to develop the Scottish craft sector.

Names of Supervisors: Fraser Bruce and Professor Sarah Cooper, University of Edinburgh