Emerging business models for the cultural commons. Empirical evidence from creative cultural firms

Cultural assets can be seen as a particular type of commons as they belong to a group or society that inherits them from past generations, maintains them in the present and pre- serves them for the benefit of future generations. The cultural commons are exposed to specific forms of the tragedy; however, little is known about how the tragedy of cultural commons can be managed and overcome. This study argues that cultural and creative firms could play a pivotal role in addressing this issue, and it inductively develops a business model for Cultural and Creative Firms to manage cultural assets as commons that are threatened with neglect or misuse. In doing this, a multiple-case study is employed to develop a new business model. This study contributes to knowledge about how creative and cultural firms can implement cooperative and participative business models to address the fragility of cultural commons.