Success factors of innovation in creative industry in China: Case study on animation companies

As the economic contribution of creative industry to economics is widely recognized, research in this field has been increasing rapidly the past few years. However, little research has focused on the firm level to explain why some companies succeed while others fail. With studies on the characteristics of creative industries based upon literature, this article explores the success factors of innovation by conducting in-depth interviews with mangers from nine animation companies in People´s Republic of China. After processing interview reports aided by NVIvo, we summarized the success factors of innovation, illustrated each factor, and reflected upon the fact that companies in creative industries have certain rules to follow despite their great uncertainties. Then, we further discussed the differential effects of various success factors on performance.