Creative Industries in the Modern Economy: Definition, Approaches to Measurement

The article is devoted to a review of the experience of creative industries development in foreign countries and Russia. They are classified as types of economic activities that are associated with the creation, using and commercialization of knowledge and information. They are becoming increasingly important for economic well-being. Creative industries generate significant positive externalities and contribute to reducing social inequality, protecting the environment, spreading new ideas and inclusion in society. The pioneers in the formalization of creative industries were countries with developed markets (Australia, Great Britain). They have coined an integrated creative economy. Its core is a sustainable complementarity between active investment in human capital, growth of innovation and increased productivity of organizations. Creative industries embody individual efforts and talent that generate returns in the form of wealth. The concept of creative industries was perceived as an alien element incompatible with traditional culture, which occupies a significant position in ensuring national sovereignty in China. “Orange economy” as a symbiosis of talent, culture, intellectual property and connections forms the basis for overcoming social divisions and uniting different groups of the population around a common goal in Latin American countries. Creative industries are at the initial stage of their formation in Russia. The state is making significant efforts to create favorable conditions for their “deployment”. There is a gradual understanding of the importance of the link between support for designers, writers and architects, museums, theater and film production and economic growth based on creativity and talent. Creative industries are becoming a key factor in shaping the development strategy of both the country and regions.