D4.2 - Report on Documents Analysis

This deliverable, D4.2 – Report on Document Analysis, presents the findings of Task T4.2, which focuses on the collection and analysis of a wide range of natural documents. These include policy strategies, funding calls, institutional reports, and other publicly available materials. These documents provide critical insights into how local and regional actors frame, support, and govern video game clusters. By analysing these materials, the project uncovers the formal narratives, strategic priorities, and institutional mechanisms that influence the development of these clusters across diverse settings. The objective of this document analysis is to complement and extend the findings from previous interview-based research (D4.1 – Report on Primary Data Collection), filling any gaps and offering a more comprehensive understanding of cluster dynamics. The analysis is guided by a shared framework developed in GAME-ER WP3 , ensuring consistency across the six case studies. Through thematic coding, key patterns are identified concerning cluster formation, governance, innovation support, talent development, and external partnerships. This structured approach allows for both in-depth case-specific analysis and meaningful cross-case comparisons, highlighting broader trends and region-specific dynamics. Each cluster is analysed in a dedicated chapter that combines documentary evidence with contextual analysis to provide a complete view of its evolution, institutional landscape, and strategic positioning. Key findings emphasize the pivotal role of local leadership, educational infrastructure, and targeted policies in fostering innovation beyond major urban centres. The analysis also illustrates how peripheral regions actively shape their development trajectories through creative strategies and effective institutional coordination. By integrating this documentary analysis with prior interview data, GAME-ER delivers a robust, multidimensional perspective on regional innovation in the digital economy, offering valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders in the digital and creative industries.