In April 2012 Nesta launched Destination Local as a programme to identify the technologies, business models, content opportunities and challenges for a successful hyperlocal media sector in the UK. At the programme's first anniversary, we look at the projects to date and the future of hyperlocal media in the UK.
At Nesta, we've recently been talking about why successful innovations that originate in some parts of the world often don't get exported to other places.
While running our Destination Local programme, we often debate about the scope and nature of hyperlocal media. It's such a new term that a number of very different types of service get described as hyperlocal, usually depending on who we talk to.
We first met when I agreed to be a "buddy" for a cohort of interns to Nesta. I walked this group of able, enthusiastic people around the teams here and asked them to introduce themselves. It was fun listening to them explain who they were and why they were here and how the story sometimes changed according to the responses of the people they were meeting.
Enterprise education and professional development are critical to growing the nation's talent and businesses. But in these cash-strapped times, where can businesses find the help they need?
Today sees the launch of the £7m Digital R&D Fund for the Arts - a partnership between the Arts Council England, the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and Nesta.
When we closed the call for proposals for Destination Local on May 17th, we found ourselves in receipt of 165 eligible applications.
Margaret Mead, the celebrated cultural anthropologist once said that "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever did". It's a quote that has probably caused a lot of heated arguments in pubs. But in the internet age, I wondered whether global connectivity has now finally put this assertion to bed, and in particular, the potential of crowd-funding to change the world with the help of hundreds or thousands of supporters.
How to help the UK’s creative industries to be the world’s most successful creative country is a pressing question.
Digital creative businesses, which have the power to thrive globally, might actually be most useful delivering value at a very local level. The level of their local city.
![Twitter icon [original]](http://admin.nesta.org.uk/library/images/Twitter-button_34x35.jpg "Twitter icon [original]"){kind=small}
Follow our daily updates on Twitter @nesta_uk
![Linked in icon [original]](http://admin.nesta.org.uk/library/images/LinkedIn_button_34x35.jpg "Linked in icon [original]"){kind=small}
Take part in the discussion on our LinkedIn group
![Facebook icon [original]](http://admin.nesta.org.uk/library/images/facebook.jpg "Facebook icon [original]"){kind=small}
Share your views on our Facebook page
Sign up for our regular updates for the latest news and opportunities.
T +44 (0)20 7438 2500
F +44 (0)20 7438 2501
Nesta Operating Company, a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 7706036 and charity number 1144091. Registered as a charity in Scotland number SC042833.
