Erik Hitters

Erik Hitters is Associate Professor of Media and Creative Industries at Erasmus University Rotterdam, where he co-founded and directs ERMeCC (Erasmus Research Centre for Media, Communication and Culture). He holds a doctorate in Social Sciences from Utrecht University and was a Senior Fellow at Johns Hopkins University.

Research examines transformations in media/cultural industries through three strands: 1) Institutional dynamics in film, music, and broadcasting 2) Creative industries policy at local/national levels 3) Media clustering and creative cities. Leads major projects including 'Cultures of Innovation in Creative Industries' (NWO) and 'POPLIVE' (sustainable live music ecologies).

Publications analyze festivalization, music ecosystem resilience, creative entrepreneurship, and urban cultural development. Recent work (2022-2024) investigates risk management in live events, music education employability, concert experiences, and value creation frameworks.

Teaches in the International BA Media & Communication and MA Media Studies programs, leading the Media & Creative Industries specialization.