UN Report on Creative Economy

The United Nations has just released its first ever report on the 'creative economy'. Central to the new development paradigm linking the economy and culture is the fact that creativity, knowledge and access to information are powerful forces that drive growth and development in a globalizing world. As the UN press release summarizes,

"The emerging 'creative economy' has become a leading component of economic growth, employment, trade and innovation, and social cohesion in most advanced economies. Unfortunately, however, the large majority of developing countries are not yet able to harness their creative capacity for development. The creative economy offers to developing countries a feasible option and new opportunities to leapfrog into emerging high-growth areas of the world economy. This is a reflection of weaknesses both in domestic policy and in the business environment, and global systemic biases. Nevertheless, the creative economy offers to developing countries a feasible option and new opportunities to leapfrog into emerging high-growth areas of the world economy."

The Creative Economy Report is the first to present the perspectives of the Unitied Nations as a whole on this topic. It proves empirical evidence that the creative industries are among the most dynamic emerging sectors in world trade. It also shows that the interface among creativity, culture, economics and technology, as expressed in the ability to create and circulate intellectual capital, has the potential to generate income, jobs and export earnings while at the same time contributing to social inclusion, cultural diversity and human development."

Here is a link for the highlights and the full 357-page report.