Format Innovation Model

Cultural Dimensions

The building blocks of format innovation

The Format Innovation Model comprises four cultural and four political-economic dimensions. The key cultural factors are explained below.

Uncertainty avoidance

tends to have an inhibiting effect. This is evident among broadcasters and streamers who have to make decisions about developing a new format or purchasing an established one. In countries with a high degree of uncertainty avoidance, this choice leads to stress, such as the fear of losing one’s job, which inhibits innovation.

Anglo-Saxon affinity

stimulates format innovation and increases the likelihood of scalability. The more a culture aligns with Anglo-Saxon culture and the English language, the easier cultural exchange takes place and format ideas spread.

Indulgence

describes the extent to which a culture accepts deviant social behaviour. The more indulgent a culture, the more scope there is for new forms of content, including original formats.

The public domain

plays a significant role in format innovation. Depending on the public value attributed to formats, public broadcasters may or may not invest in the development of original formats.

Political-Economic Dimensions

The political and economic forces behind format innovation.

The political and economic factors influencing format development are explained below.

Market size

plays a significant role. Large markets can hinder original format development because the financial risks are high, whilst very small markets leave little scope for format innovation. The ideal situation arises in medium-sized markets, where there is a demand for content and the financial resources are available, whilst the risks remain manageable.

Competition

acts as a stimulant. In highly competitive markets, broadcasters and streamers are more willing to take risks, which increases the likelihood of original format development.

Vertical integration

is a hindrance. When major players eliminate creative competition from the market, the pressure to innovate diminishes.

The terms of trade

i.e. the conditions under which format developers can financially benefit from international exploitation, are of vital importance. Ecosystems in which creative makers can share in the success of their formats generally see greater creative activity and format innovation.

Format Innovation in an international context

The Format Innovation Model has been applied to twelve countries that play a central role in the development and export of television formats. For each country, enabling and hindering factors are analysed, thereby explaining differences in innovative productivity.