May 2026 Monthly Review: Insights from the Cultural and Creative Industries
Design, Creative Tech, and European Exchange
June 2, 2026
In May, the focus was on design, new technologies, and the future of the European creative industries. From the State Reception on Design to our “CreativeTech for Impact” meet-up and the strategic dialogue in Brussels, it became clear how creative skills help shape innovation and transformation.
Design as a Driver of Innovation
At the “Design 2026” state reception hosted by Bavaria’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Tobias Gotthardt, the Bavarian design industry came together to discuss current developments and forge new connections. The event highlighted the importance of design for innovation and competitiveness. Dr. Henning Berthold and Johanna Lison were in attendance on behalf of Bayern Innovativ and took the opportunity to speak with key players in the industry.
Creative Tech for People and Machines
How do we shape the relationship between humans and machines? Our “CreativeTech for Impact” meetup, held at the Deutsches Museum as part of Munich Creative Business Week, explored this question. Creative professionals, technology companies, and interested participants discussed robotics, design, sound, and XR. The presentations demonstrated how creative skills can help make new technologies more understandable, accessible, and user-centered. During the networking session that followed, ideas were further explored and new connections were made.
Creative Work in the Age of AI
At the Strategic Dialogue on the European Creative Economy (SDECE26) in Brussels, the focus was on the future of creative work in Europe. Discussions centered on how artificial intelligence is transforming creative work and how fair conditions can be ensured for artists and creative professionals. Our colleague Dr. Henning Berthold was on site and contributed his perspective to the European dialogue.
The events in May demonstrate how closely creativity, technology, and economic development are intertwined. Whether it’s design, AI, or robotics: creative skills open up new perspectives and make an important contribution to shaping innovation and transformation.