Changemakers Connecting the Global and the Local Experiences and Strategies of Taiwan-Based Cultural and Creative Entrepreneurs in the Early 2020s

Abstract This study qualitatively analyses Taiwan-based cultural and creative entrepreneurs’ responses to changes during the specific conjuncture of the early 2020s, and the significance of their experiences and business strategies to sustain their companies. While some encountered significant difficulties during this time, others have capitalised on the expansion of e-commerce during the Covid-19 pandemic. The analysis demonstrates the cultural and creative entrepreneurs’ conscious choice to reflect an ethos of ‘change-making’—small-scale, innovative ventures that attempt to engender social, cultural, and ecological values—contributing to discussions of corporate responsibilities and sustainability. Given the pandemic and the fluctuations in Taiwan’s international trades in recent years, interests in exploring alternative production structures, representing the island’s unique culture and creativity, and foregrounding sustainability through green and environmentally friendly production processes represent the will of this generation of creative entrepreneurs to effect cultural change in times of social and economic challenges.