Issue Innovation in creative play and leisure culture

Summary

Drawing on the idea of Homo Ludens, the survey sees play and creative activity as part of human nature that has driven scholarship and the arts and now fuels leisure, culture, sports and tourism industries. The play-culture ecosystem is evolving toward deep links with AI, virtual and augmented reality, with more personalisation from personal data analysis, greater interactivity and blending of online and offline experience. Meetings and exhibitions that use virtual and augmented reality improve access to hard-to-reach destinations and offer previews and information conveniently. Rapid convergence of biotechnology, neuroscience, AI and nanotechnology is redefining human limits, turning sport into a new form of industry and culture beyond competition. AI-driven advertising, fan-engagement technologies and digital fandom platforms are becoming decisive for sustainable revenue in sports, and AR, VR and AI together are creating value in medicine, fashion, heritage and tourism.