Dr. Yosha Wijngaarden

Biography

Yosha Wijngaarden is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Media and Communication at Erasmus University Rotterdam. His research focuses on work, innovation, and inequalities within the creative industries, particularly examining how work practices, earnings, and technological advancements influence creativity and livelihoods. Yosha is currently leading the NWO-funded OC-XS project which investigates how musicians adapt to AI tools during real-time jam sessions, studying co-creative processes and how these professionals reshape their creative practices in response to new technologies. He has also led the NWO-KIEM project MATCH, which explored public and private match-funding support for freelancers and SMEs in the creative sector and developed practical toolkits for funding partners. His work extensively covers the earnings and resilience of creative industries, and he has published a book titled 'Sociology of Awkwardness', which provides a sociological examination of social discomfort. Yosha holds a PhD in innovation in creative industries from Erasmus University Rotterdam and has received several awards for his dissertation. He supervises PhD students researching various aspects of the creative industries and teaches courses in sociology, media, and research methods. He plays a significant role in coordinating the MA Media Creative Industries program and co-leads the ERMeCHS research cluster that collaborates with cultural organizations and industry partners.

Research Interests