Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to explore beyond the knowledge economy and venture into the wise society. Design/methodology/approach-The paper is a review of existing publications and original thinking. Findings-The word is at the dawn of the wise society. Science and universities have a crucial role to play on the path towards such a society. Originality/value-The paper contributes to the understanding and the development from knowledge to wisdom.

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the creative class of Curaçao, which is a small Caribbean island coping with globalisation. The paper will contribute to the development of a framework for the discussion of the Creative Economy. Design/methodology/approach-The paper contributes to the development of a framework for understanding the Creative Economy. This framework is then applied to the case of Curaçao. After analysis, conclusions are drawn. Findings-In Curaçao there are many conditions present which support the development and creation of the creative class or attract it from other locations. On the other hand, policies should be put in place to retain the creative class. The theories and methods relating to the creative class are not yet fully developed. Originality/value-The paper contributes to a framework for understanding the Creative Economy of small Caribbean islands.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of Curaçao as a small island coping with globalization and to contribute to the development of a framework to discuss globalization and corporate governance. Design/methodology/approach -The paper starts to integrate three scenarios: globalization, the paradigmatic approach of corporate governance, and the categorization of organizations. This framework is then applied to the case of Curaçao. Findings -Globalization of Curaçao involves the introduction of the Anglo-American model of governance into several actors. This is a major change that the society finds difficult adapting to. A significant part of the population is at risk of being excluded. Originality/value -The paper contributes to a multi-paradigm approach to corporate governance, and in analyzing the globalization of small islands.

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to discuss the concepts confidentiality and transparency in the context of good governance. Design/methodology/approach – After exploring the concepts of confidentiality, good governance and other relevant concepts, they are related to each other. Findings – When it comes to good governance, transparency is overrated and confidentiality is taken for granted. For good governance, there must be a balance between the two to preserve the public sphere. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the understanding of good governance and the evolution of the public sphere.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the development of a “Creative Zone” in the area of Scharloo and Pietermaai, two integral parts of Willemstad, UNESCO World Heritage Site (Curaçao), to gain insight into the dynamics and possibilities of the zone. This paper also serves to develop the concept of a creative zone with different stakeholders – including government – by creating synergy and momentum, giving the project or process a life of its own.Design/methodology/approachThe project of creating a creative zone is based on a theoretical framework used to assess the factors that create a creative zone. Using the framework, an assessment of the Scharloo and Pietermaai zone is made to frame discussion of the further development of the zone.FindingsThe area Scharloo and Pietermaai in Curaçao has all the ingredients to become a creative zone, especially in the context of further enhancing Curaçao's tourist product. This is the case for traditional tourists, but is also true for a large group of foreign students who serve their apprenticeship on the island. However, necessary efforts must be made – especially by the creative industries in the zone – to establish a forum, leadership and a network to develop the creative zone. The participation of the government has to be acknowledged, taking into consideration the role that government plays in creating the right conditions, for example by improving the infrastructure. Finally, there must be a mutual effort to assess and sustain the creative process on the part of all stakeholders. An important finding is that a part of the zone could be denominated by creative industry, because so many tour operators organize visits to the Scharloo area as a showcase for cultural heritage. The visitors can experience, taste and feel this creativity.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to a framework for analyzing the creative economy of Caribbean Small Islands Developing States and how continuous improvement can be achieved to create more added value in the economy.