Brighton Fuse 2: Freelancers in the Creative, Digital, IT Economy

The Brighton Fuse 2 project is a one-year AHRC funded research project. Dr Rajguru worked as a Research Fellow and undertook the qualitative research and has co-authored the Brighton Fuse Report with Dr Jonathan Sapsed, the Lead Investigator, Brighton Business School, Dr Roberto Camerani, Co-investigator, University of Sussex, Dr Monica Massuci, University of Sussex and Mylene Peterman, University of Sussex. Brighton Fuse 2 investigates the Freelance cluster within the Creative, IT and Digital (CDIT) sectors in Brighton and Hove. It follows on from the Brighton Fuse project, which investigated the Brighton firms within these sectors in Brighton (2012-2013). This report disseminates the research findings based on rigourous data collection and analyses. It shows the ways in which Brighton freelancers within the CDIT sectors cluster and collaborate to innovate and to contribute to Brighton's economy. It discusses the factor of geography - Brighton as a coastal town in proximity to London, its rich culture, that draws talent to the city, and the importance of the two universities in the city. It shows how freelancers in the CDIT cluster fuse their creative and technical skills to create design, technology and art. This report fills an important gap in freelancer research. Academic texts on this subject are binary; presenting 'How to' guides on freelancing, on the one had, and downgrading the work of freelancers on the other. This report offers a balanced view based on empirical research and makes policy recommendations that will benefit freelancers and the CDIT economy in Brighton and Hove. This co-authored report is one of Rajguru's outputs that develops an understanding of the current influences on the creative sectors of Brighton and creates an impact within the local economy through changes in government policy.