Research Interests

Craig's main research interests are in new media (particularly computer games and online communities), global media (particularly in Asia and Australia), and new knowledge economies (with an emphasis on the innovation and creativity of industry and fan alliances).

Current Projects

Craig's current research concerns the following areas:

-  the role of new media in the trafficking of cultural commodities
-  the production and marketing of hybrid cultural goods in Australia for global consumption
-  how efficiently different globalization and localization strategies generate economic, cultural and political power.

Craig is currently exploring these three areas through the Australian experience of Japanese cultural commodities, in particular: computer games, manga , anime, youth fashion, and 'otaku' culture. It is based around the following sub areas in UTAS's theme areas of Community, Place and Change:

. Multiculturalism: Understanding how Asian cultural communities act as translators of cultural commodities into Australia and the challenge this may present to develop a coherent and inclusive narrative of contemporary Australian identity

. Community and commerce: Investigating the development of soft-power amongst communities in Australia to Asia, for example the export of rice, sake, and comic books from Australia back to Japan

. At-risk communities: Assisting Asian international students to adapt to Australia and share their experiences and knowledge with other students through cultural communities in venues such as such as sports groups, computer gaming groups, anime clubs, etc

. Virtual communities: Participating in online communities such as the manga translation web site 'Lost in Scanlation' and the amateur artist web site 'OzTAKU'

. Creative and transformation communities: Profiling communities such as OzTAKU and Lost-in-Scanlation producing and marketing their material to a local and overseas audiences.

Grant and Research Funding

(2006) ARC Asia Pacific Futures Research Network. Building Effective Communication in the Asia Pacific.

(2005) Tokyo Foundation Application for a Grant-in-Aid.

(1999-2001) Japanese Government (Monbusho Shogakukin) Postgraduate Research Scholarship. Affiliated to the University of Tokyo .

(1998) University of Western Sydney , Fieldwork/Travel Grant. Affiliated to the University of Tokyo .

(1996-1999) Australian Postgraduate Award with Stipend.