Between June and September 2024, an open survey was conducted to gather insights of the growth targets and development needs of potential AV growth companies. This survey, meticulously developed and distributed by all project partners, served as both a data collection tool and an application form for companies wishing to join the AV Growth Programme. The survey received 32 responses from companies across the Central Baltic region, highlighting the interest and potential within the AV industry.
Key Findings
The answers of the companies echoed several key themes, which were common despite the background of the respondents. The main issues that should be addressed to increase growth can be summarised as follows;
In-creased cross-sectoral collaboration
- Companies are keen on expanding their networks, creating new business models, increasing revenue, and growing their staff.
- Diversification and expansion of intellectual property (IP) across new formats and platforms are crucial for reaching a broader audience and increasing revenue streams (e.g., AV-Game industry).
Scaling up capabilities
- Enhancing production capabilities, exploring new markets, and developing innovative content are set as top priorities.
- Micro-companies are focused on stabilizing their workflow and finances, while growing their network to handle larger and more complex projects (e.g. cross-border productions).
Wider international reach
- Increasing international presence and collaborating with partners abroad is a strategic priority to widen markets.
- The expansion helps to diversify revenue sources, enhance brand recognition, and access a wider pool of talent and resources through larger productions.
Motivations for Joining AV-Growth Programme
According to the mapping survey, networking, funding, and strategic development are crucial components of facilitating growth of AV companies. Building connections with industry professionals and potential investors is vital for gaining insights, finding collaborators, and securing funding. Furthermore, access to financial support is essential for developing and executing projects, scaling up operations, and investing into new technologies. Additionally, refining business models, improving operational efficiency, and exploring new business opportunities are key to achieving long-term success – all of which are part of the AV Growth’s growth programme supported by individual mentoring.
Overall, the AV Growth project provides a platform for networking and supports firt-hand strategic development, helping companies to navigate through the identified challenges and to capitalize on emerging opportunities. The AV Growth project aims to address several challenges faced by AV companies, such as:
Funding and Resources
Many companies struggle with securing funding and managing resources effectively. The project provides access to funding opportunities and financial expertise through mentoring.
Market Expansion
Guidance on entering new markets and scaling operations is essential. The project offers support in market research, strategic planning, and partnership development.
Innovation
Leveraging new technologies and innovative practices is key to staying competitive. The project encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models.
The AV Growth project represents the partners’ effort to support and accelerate the growth of the AV industry in the Central Baltic region. By aligning the growth targets of companies with tailored support program, the project aims to create a robust and dynamic AV sector capable of competing on a cross-border scale on the long-term. Besides the growth programme (Film Tampere), the project will leverage on digital tools to validate existing skills and experience of AV professionals to increase their cross-border employment opportunities (YNFT), and finally, conceptualise a cross-border AV production model building on the data and knowledge-base formed through all joint-activities carried out throughout the project (TAMK).
Text: Maria Salomaa and Juha Suonpää
Image: Juha Suonpää
