Rethinking Creative City Theory: Structural Constraints and Sustainability Challenges in Cultural and Creative Industries

This study examines how the adoption of Creative City Theory (CCT) shapes the sustainability of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). Drawing on an interdisciplinary literature review and comparative case studies of Barcelona, Austin, and Detroit, the analysis finds that CCT can foster cluster economies, adaptive reuse of urban space, and policy legitimisation of CCIs, yet its outcomes remain highly contingent on local governance capacity and equity frameworks. In Barcelona and Austin, CCT-led strategies stimulated tourism and investment but intensified gentrification, social inequality, and cultural commodification, whereas Detroit illustrates the potential of grassroots initiatives to generate creative vitality despite limited formal CCT policies. These findings suggest that CCT is not inherently sustainable; its effectiveness depends on integration with broader housing, social equity, and environmental measures. The studys reliance on secondary sources and a small number of case studies represents a key limitation, indicating the need for further empirical research and longitudinal analysis to better understand how creativity can be aligned with holistic sustainability goals.