Social innovation and institutionalisation in the cognitive–cultural economy: Two contrasting experiences from Southern Europe

The purpose of this article is that of analysing institutionalisation processes of professional activities linked to cognitive and cultural sectors in two different urban contexts: Milan and Barcelona. Similarities with and differences between respective outcomes will be underlined. The process is observed also in relation to the deep economic crisis that the two cities, and their national and supranational contexts, are facing. The analysis aims to understand, from a sociological perspective, how workers in creative and artistic professions try to promote their own inclusion in the labour market by creating associations and through the professionalisation of their activities while, at the same time, they continue developing a creative or artistic job. The local governance structure and the different paths of inclusion in public negotiation will be taken as the main factor in the analysis of their outcome and (re)configuration in the wake of financial crisis.

► Significant innovative practices fostering the development of the professional careers.
► Horizontal relations, promoting the ‘democratisation’ of creative and cultural sectors.
► Differences due to the institutional contexts in which they are embedded.
► In Barcelona, Hangar has become an exemplar for public administration.
► In Milan Isola della Moda has no engagement with any public institution.