Slöjdnäring i nätverkan En intervjubaserad studie av olika aktörers perspektiv på näringens utveckling

Abstract

This paper deals with various actors' perspectives on the business development in Swedish handicraft business. The survey takes the view of the active, professional craftsperson, in examining the development direction of the channels and networks. This is performed by an inductive method through qualitative interview techniques and document studies. The purpose is to show the importance of interaction between craftspersons and authorities at regional and national levels, in order to develop the handicraft business. The survey shows the development direction of the channels and networks that are of importance for active, professional craftspersons. Concerning selling their products the most important distributional channels have shifted from selling directly to visiting customers to online stores, trade shows, social media and exhibitions. The interviews reveal a pronounced need for a national register with handicraft business in an Internet based platform that gathers craftspersons, craft objects and courses. It is clear there is a connection between professional practitioners who are able to live on handicrafts and the preservation of techniques and material knowledge in handicraft transferred into the future. The craft association issue springs from the need to start a dialogue on how to strengthen the handicraft business. The study points out that the cultural entrepreneur often "falls between the cracks" of the social structures. The survey shows the need of explicit support customized for handicraft business and that the realization of a craft association needs to be examined. The trend can be seen towards larger networking and a more distinct communicating the inherent values of the handicraft to strengthen it as a business branch.