Vladimir Putin has directed the government to elevate the idea of a creative economy to a formal legal concept. This instruction sits among the top-line priorities presented by the head of state. The aim is to place clear definitions into Russian law for the terms creative economy and creative industries, and to specify the list of such industries. The directive emphasizes setting up a legal framework that recognizes these terms and outlines which activities count as creative industries.
The plan also calls for a standard method to measure how much the creative economy contributes to overall economic output. The expectation is that this methodology will be validated and the impact tracked annually, providing a regular assessment of progress and influence.
The order follows a visit to an exhibition focused on the development of the creative economy in Russia. A deadline has been set for mid-December to implement these changes, with the Strategic Initiatives Agency serving as co-executor.
Officials noted that in 2022 a large share of products and services commonly associated with the creative economy—such as clothing, cinema, music, and video games—were imported. The withdrawal of major foreign players has created new opportunities for domestic producers, according to a statement from the Strategic Initiatives Agency.
Currently, the creative economy accounts for roughly five percent of the country’s GDP, with a goal to raise that share to six percent by 2030. This target reflects a widely discussed idea that the creative sector encompasses more than popular entertainment; it includes cinema, museums, gastronomy, souvenirs, fashion, urban improvement, design, architecture, fine arts, informatics, and advertising.
Experts have also weighed in on the challenges of achieving recognized leadership in this area, noting the ongoing debate over what exactly constitutes the creative economy and how best to cultivate it across industries and regions. At stake is a clearer, more coherent approach to policy, funding, and measurement that can help Russia fully leverage the potential of creative activity to drive growth and innovation.