Dan is Professor of Cultural and Creative Industries at the University of Southampton (UK). Current research on culture, place and policy focuses on developing and sustaining cultural strategies. With colleagues from Southampton Institute for Arts and Humanities, he is examining qualitative data for place-based decision-making (Neighbouring Data) and creative freelancer mentoring and networks (Diverse Capacities). At the University of Southampton he co-ordinates the Culture and Creativity Policy Network. He is a member of the UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport College of Experts.