*CREATIVE ECONOMY REPORT 2008*

*For some time now, the new buzzword "creative economy" is doing the rounds
in the economic policy making circles throughout the world. UNCTAD (United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development) recently launched a massive 350
page report called "Creative Economy Report 2008" by bringing together
contributions from five United Nations organisations, namely UNCTAD, UNDP
UNESCO, WIPO and the International Trade Centre (ITC), in a joint endeavour
to present the UN system-wide perspective.*

*The report says developing countries in particular should find the creative
industries fertile territory for growth. Art crafts currently account for
60% of the value of their creative exports. Design and new media products –
especially as the Internet makes geography irrelevant for the delivery of
many such goods – have great potential for nations developing countries.*

*This report is timely for India where the effort is on (hopefully!) to
formulate the design policy. Because design is in the forefront of this
emerging creative economy:*

*"Design was found to be the leading subgroup in the world market for
creative goods. The global market for these goods reached $218.1 billion in
2005, accounting for nearly half of total world exports of creative goods.
The inclusion of design as a creative industry has completely changed the
position of key players in the world market for creative goods and
services." (page130)*

*According to this report the creative industries are among the most dynamic
emerging sectors in world trade. The report 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.*

*It gives a comprehensive view of fast-expanding global trade in goods and
services ranging from traditional arts and crafts to books, newspapers,
paintings, music and performing arts; technology-driven products such as
film, design, audiovisual works, television, and radio; and "new media"
products such as digital animation and videogames.*

*The statistical annex of the report presents first-hand trade data and
pioneering analysis of international trade flows of creative goods and
services in world markets.*

*To read more:*

http://www.unctad.org/Templates/Page.asp?intItemID=4504&lang=1

To download the Report:

http://www.unctad.org/Templates/Webflyer.asp?intItemID=4494


(–with inputs from UNCTAD, ICOGRADA sites)


Sagarmoy Paul

Communication Designer

Thoughtscape

New Delhi


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