SRP 2017

Faced with platformization, pressure on existing business models, a tense trade-off between exchange value and public value of content and communication services, and an increasing emphasis on collaboration as a means to tackle the challenging content and communication surroundings, the SRP studies the exchange value and public value of content and communication services in future media ecosystems. We aim to achieve conceptual and theoretical innovation in this domain of research, with a key focus on the concepts of ecosystems and value; we combine of quantitative and qualitative research, and aim to expand expertise in quantitative media economics research and data science; we combine market, policy and user research within tracks and have a focus on small media ecosystems. We also aim to share knowledge with other scholars and people outside the academic world, amongst others through the Brussels Media Hub, which is coordinated by SMIT and part of the SRP, and aims to bring together policymakers, industry professionals and researchers on media innovation, amongst others through a postgraduate and training programme in media economics at the VUB (launched in 2018).

There are three original tracks within the SRP, each consisting of a PhD researcher and WP lead(s): (1) The value of data; (2) The value of partnerships; (3) The value of government intervention. Given the increased economic importance of platforms and the research vacuum within the crossroads of media policy and economics, a fourth work package (Value of Platforms) was added in the form of a PHD track funded through the SRP. In 2019, a fifth track was added to the overall research agenda of the SRP, in the form of a new BAAP doctoral project focusing on shifting exchange value of film audiences.