Bertan Selim has a background in European history, culture and politics. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the Erasmus University Rotterdam under the mentorship of Dr. Arjo Klamer focusing his research on the value of Innovation and creativity within the creative industries through the use of digital media technologies in Europe (with focus on the Netherlands).
At the same time Bertan works at the Virtueel Platform, the Dutch new media and e-culture institute based in Amsterdam as person in charge of strategy and policy development. Apart from this he is also board member of the Trans Artists in Amsterdam.

Bertan Selim has previously worked in Amsterdam at the European Cultural Foundation as Policy Officer running the STEP beyond mobility programme. Most recently he was working at the Pro Helvetia, Zurich as Deputy Regional Manager of the Swiss Cultural Programme for South-East Europe.

Bertan's work has centered on cultural policy development, digital media technologies, organizational strategies, creative industries, mobility of artists, intercultural dialogue and social diversity in and beyond Europe; he has worked intensively with culture as a means to improved social cohesion and development both within government agencies and private foundations. In the past he has published several articles and researches on cultural policy, creativity, innovation and mobility. Bertan holds a Master of Arts degree in European History and Culture from the University of Amsterdam.