Creative Industries, Technology and Innovation in ASEAN and the Philippines

The CoSTAR Foresight Lab is pleased to announce the publication of a new Policy Snapshot on ASEAN and the Philippines. The release comes ahead of the Lab’s participation in the 2nd ASEAN–UK Creative Economy Symposium, scheduled for 14-15 March 2026 in Manila.

The symposium, supported by the British Council, focuses on developing a sustainable framework for regional creative industries, fostering policy dialogue, and strengthening partnerships between ASEAN and the UK. The new Policy Snapshot provides timely context for these discussions by mapping key policy developments and strategic initiatives across ASEAN and the Philippines.

This study forms part of a broader series of international policy analyses undertaken by the CoSTAR Foresight Lab between June 2025 and September 2026. The snapshots examine how governments are supporting the adoption of emerging technologies in the Creative Industries, including film, television, games, performance, and digital entertainment, particularly where these intersect with convergent technology research, development, and innovation. Alongside earlier snapshots on India, Japan, and Australia, with South Korea forthcoming, the ASEAN and Philippines study contributes to a growing body of international insight on policy trends shaping creative and digital sectors worldwide. These studies are complemented by ongoing International Scans conducted with Olsberg•SPI, which track emerging industry developments and policy signals globally.

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What the Policy Snapshot covers?

Creative industries and technology policy in ASEAN

The snapshot examines how ASEAN is increasingly integrating the Creative Industries into broader economic, cultural, and innovation policy agendas. Historically framed primarily through cultural cooperation and soft power, creative sectors are now being recognised across ASEAN as contributors to economic growth, digital transformation, and regional competitiveness.

The analysis highlights how creative economy strategies intersect with broader science, technology, and innovation frameworks, including initiatives on digital transformation, AI governance, and regional innovation ecosystems. These policy developments reflect ASEAN’s efforts to support cross-border collaboration, strengthen digital infrastructure, and encourage entrepreneurship in emerging areas such as gaming, digital media, and immersive technologies.

Creative industries and innovation policy in the Philippines

The second part of the snapshot focuses on the Philippines, which is playing a prominent role in advancing the regional creative economy agenda. The country’s policy framework combines creative industries policy with broader strategies for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital development.

As the 2026 Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines is championing new regional initiatives designed to strengthen cooperation across the creative sector. A key example is the proposed ASEAN Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries, being developed by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Competitiveness and Innovation Group. The Centre is intended to serve as a regional hub supporting skills development, innovation, and cross-border collaboration while helping creative enterprises access regional and global markets.

Preparatory work for the Centre will be advanced through regional engagements, including the 2nd ASEAN–UK Creative Economy Symposium, which is expected to help shape the initiative’s operational framework. The project is being developed in partnership with the British Council, reflecting a strong emphasis on international cooperation, capacity building, and market expansion.

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Read the full Policy Snapshot on ASEAN and the Philippines to explore the findings in more detail.

This blog was authored by Katya Tarnovskaya, Research Associate at the CoSTAR Foresight Lab.

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