Book excerpt: Because of the divergence in world views and methods between scientists and the creative sector, innovation systems and policies have focused for decades on science, engineering, technology, and medicine. The humanities, arts, and social sciences have had their contributions hidden from research agendas, policy and program initiatives, and the public mind. But structural changes to advanced economies and societies have brought service industries and the creative sector to greater prominence as key contributors to innovation. Hidden Innovation peels back the veil, tracing the way innovation occurs through new forms of screen production enabled by social media platforms as well as in public broadcasting. It shows that creative workers are contributing fresh ideas across the economy, and traces how policies are beginning to catch up with the changing social and economic realities, on a global level. Hidden Innovations argues that the innovation framework offers the best opportunity in decades to reassess the case for the public role of the humanities, particularly the media and cultural and communication studies.