Founded by Prof Lawrence Lessig in 2001 and publishing its initial licences in December 2002, to counter “a culture in which creators get to create only with the permission of the powerful or of creators of the past”, Creative Commons (CC – creativecommons.org) is now a global phenomenon. Creative Commons Australia (CCau – creativecommons.org.au) is one of forty-three countries involved in the initiative, with another nineteen potential member nations currently being developed.

The production of knowledge has become central to economic life. Competitiveness in the 21st century market place is now characterized by the ability to translate scientific and technological knowledge into innovation. But does this render cultural and social knowledge unimportant?

This report evaluates and responds to the outcomes of CCau Industry Forum, a research-focused industry engagement event held in November 2006.