10 KEYS FOR THE CREATIVE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT

Detailed recommendations from the UN special report on creative economy opportunities

In its report (The United Nations Creative Economy Report 2013 Special Edition) the UN gives numerous
examples that demonstrate the importance of culture for society’s development. This document also
describes how extension of rights and opportunities for artists and creative entrepreneurs can enhance
efficiency in the cultural field as a whole. So, what should we do for the development of the creative
sector in the economy?

1. First of all, recognise that, in addition to its economic benefits, the creative economy also generates
non-monetary value that contributes significantly to achieving inclusive and sustainable societal
development.

2. Make culture a driver and enabler of economic, social and environmental development processes,
since positive changes can take place only in a culturally defined society.

3. Reveal opportunities through mapping local assets of the creative economy. This analysis will be the
basis for the development of a follow-up action programme in this sector.

4. Strengthen the evidence base through rigorous data collection as a fundamental upstream
investment to any coherent creative economy development policy in the region.

5. Investigate the connections between the informal and formal sectors of the creative economy as
crucial for the establishment of adequate policy, since the creative economy in developing countries
relies deeply on informal cultural systems, processes and institutions, and is remote from the public
sector, while family and friends become major investors for creative entrepreneurs.

6. Analyse the critical success factors that contribute to forging new pathways for local creative
economy development. Such success factors include: the availability of infrastructure and labour
resources, the existence of legislation protecting intellectual property, the availability access to global
markets, etc.

7. Invest in sustainable creative enterprise development across the value chain. This means that there
needs to be support for local learning and innovation, because without them there will be no new
talents or new firms of creativity.

8. Create new opportunities for cultural entrepreneurs in business administration and social networking,
get them involved in marketing activities, and provide them with urban cites suitable for development of
the social and cultural structure of the society.

9. Engage in international cooperation to facilitate productive mutual learning as well as the sharing of
information and experiences.
10. Mainstream culture into local economic and social development programmes, make it number one,
even when faced with competing priorities.

Find more about the ways to develop creative economy:

http://www.creativeeconomyreport2013