This study aims to identify the characteristics of human resource development(HRD) in the creative
industries, and thereby to suggest a desirable plan to improve higher education systems for the industries.
Case studies and expert surveys revealed that those industries that are based on individual creativity such
as culture, arts and contents require a different approach from the traditional industries in HRD.
Specifically, creative industries need manpower with special interests in a field, with experimental and
challenging spirits, as well as with a high degree of commitment, autonomy and responsibility. These
qualifications could enhance individual creativity. The study results also indicated that experience-based
learning(or experiential learning) is much more effective than theory-based learning for HRD in the creative
industries. As such, innovation in higher education should focus on cooperative education systems with
external corporations, academic-industry research network, field training and interdisciplinary education
programs. In particular, college and universities should develop curriculum based on industry-academic
collaboration and interdisciplinary education. It was also found that higher education institutions need more
practical- or project-based learning and customized curriculum tailored to individual creativity.