By Our Staff
‘The Power of Modern Creativity: Insights for Today and Tomorrow’ report was unviled by Dentsu Creative with results from survey of CMOs in the UK, US, China, India, and Brazil asking what them what they need and want most from their agencies. The report identifies eight key themes that define the future of modern creativity, and what clients most want from their agencies 85% of clients agree that while consumer behaviour has undergone rapid changes in the last 5 years, the agency model is yet to adapt. 78% say that the silo-ed agency model is no longer fit for purpose in today’s world.
Clients are seeking a new agency model, where creativity is a horizontal not a vertical, with 82% agreeing they “want to see creative solutions across every aspect of my business – Media, Commerce and CXM – just as much as in campaigns” India is the market where CMOs are most likely to have invested in creating their own TV programming.
China and India dominate for the creation of Branded Entertainment and IP, with 53% of CMOs in these markets investing here, while China is the global leader in creating Branded Characters and IP As many as 78% of CMOs feel that the silo-ed agency model is no longer fit for purpose while 82% want to see agencies seamlessly combine capabilities to deliver new and innovative solutions, agreeing “I want to see creative solutions across every aspect of my business- Media, Commerce and CXM – just as much as in campaigns.”
When asked what is needed to engage the next generation of consumer, 63% of CMOs say that brands need to create rather than borrow from culture. The vast majority, at 84%, believe that to connect with younger generations brands now need to “entertain and engage” to earn attention through entertainment properties or rich virtual experiences, most importantly, they believe that connecting the right diverse talent around their challenges, regardless of silos or geographies is the only way to deliver work that will resonate in culture.
Said Amit Wadhwa, CEO, Dentsu Creative India: “We all know that the business landscape is rapidly changing and so are the expectations from agencies on how and what we deliver. It’s extremely essential for all of us to be in tune with the requirements and expectations in this changing environment. With this very objective, the CMO survey was conducted. What really excites me is that the responses augur extremely well for the direction we took when we launched DENTSU CREATIVE based on the philosophy of Modern Creativity. Excited with the way we are moving ahead.”
Eight key themes identified and unpacked in the report:
1. FROM COMPLEXITY TO SIMPLICITY
Today’s clients reject artificial divisions and binaries, seeking simple but powerfully integrated solutions to their problems.
73% of marketers agree that the modern comms landscape, and by extension their roles, have become increasingly complex.
2. INVENTING THE FUTURE
Investment in gaming, virtual technologies and social commerce continues as clients believe the online space is where their most meaningful customer interactions take place.
84% agree that an online store should feel as immersive as an offline store.
3. BIG IDEAS, BOLDLY EXECUTED
The big organising idea is more important than ever but today big ideas must be executed in bold new ways, to connect in personal, contextually relevant ways.
84% agree that Modern Creativity creates culture, it doesn’t just interrupt.
4. RADICAL COLLABORATION
Delivering Modern Creativity means rejecting traditional silos and traditional definitions of scale, using data and technology to nimbly connect the right talent around the right brief.
76% want agencies to connect the right talent around the right brief, wherever it sits in their networks.
5. CREATING CULTURE
CMOs across the globe are investing in content marketing, entertainment and IP as never before, building their own audiences and creating their own properties.
84% of respondents are implementing or have implemented Entertainment platforms and IP as a strategy
6. HORIZONTAL CREATIVITY
To thrive in the modern world, networks must embrace creativity across every touchpoint; content to commerce, media to CXM. Creativity is no longer a vertical or discipline but a horizontal.
82% want to see creative solutions across media, commerce and CRM, just as much as in campaigns.
7. CHANGING SOCIETY
CMOs speak with one voice on the vital importance of using their platform for good and the imperative to pivot their business model in response to the climate crisis.
84% agree that real change is only possible through sustained collaboration between businesses, consumers and policy makers.
8. EMBRACING DIFFERENCE
Designing for the modern world means investing in teams that reflect the modern world. Today’s agencies must embrace difference as the only true way to deliver work that makes a difference.
95% agree that it is a brand’s responsibility to change behaviour and change society.













