We fuse previously distinct analyses to identify the essence of the production organisation problem. The focus is especially on the creation and use of knowledge so as to make choices over strategic direction. We then explore what that entails for creativity through a public interests criterion. The approach differs markedly from topical analysis on creative industries and competitiveness. We emphasise all people using their imagination and ideas, and suggest ‘public creativity networks’: socio-economic networks of mutual dependence in which creativity is (...) nurtured through communication, so that together people might identify publics and realise those publics’ interests. (shrink)