Creative AI as a Catalyst for Growth in Creative Industries
Experts from Sberbank, speaking at the panel titled Creative artificial intelligence as a driver of economic growth in creative industries, emphasized that the collaboration between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence stands as the strongest lever for shaping technological trends through 2026. This discussion was part of the festive program at the Russian Creative Week forum.
Ilya Mikhailov, who serves as Managing Director of SberDevices and leads the Design and UX Research Department, moderated the session. He noted that creative industries are expanding faster than many other sectors. Their contribution to the global economy sits around 6.6 percent of world GDP, with a yearly growth rate near 15 percent. In his view, creative AI is evolving into a central driver of business growth and a versatile platform for embedding AI technologies into everyday life. Yet he stressed that the creative powers of neural networks should be understood as multifunctional tools that people guide and deploy in alignment with their own goals.
“The creative capabilities of neural networks hold vast potential. They should not compete with people; instead, they open new doors for creativity and innovation. For designers, generative models have already become an essential tool to boost productivity and to eliminate routine tasks,” he explained.
At the Sber AI booth, forum attendees can experience interactive image creation powered by the Kandinsky 2.1 neural network. Participants describe the image they want on a tablet, and within a few seconds the result appears on a large display. The image can be refined further, including using an endless canvas mode to explore variations and refinements with live feedback from the platform.
Previously, Sberbank highlighted that artificial intelligence has grown into a trusted assistant for medical professionals, freeing up time and providing more effective tools to support patient care. The emphasis remains on AI augmenting human expertise rather than replacing it, reinforcing the role of creative AI as a collaborative partner in professional settings.
Beyond the showroom floor, the dialogue at the forum touched on broader implications for the economy and society. The integration of AI into design, media, and communications is reshaping workflows, enabling teams to iterate faster and to experiment with complex ideas that once felt out of reach. As creators and technologists explore these capabilities, the emphasis is on responsible use, ethical considerations, and ensuring accessibility so that benefits accrue widely across industries and regions. The overarching message is clear: human creativity, guided by intelligent tooling, can accelerate innovation while preserving the unique value that people bring to the process.
Looking ahead, the industry is likely to see AI-powered tools becoming standard in creative environments. The ongoing collaboration between humans and machines will push for new skill sets, updated workflows, and refined governance that balance efficiency with artistic integrity. As organizations invest in smart platforms and enhance their AI literacy, the potential to generate economic momentum across fields such as design, advertising, entertainment, and education becomes more tangible every quarter.
The conversation at the forum reflects a broader sentiment: AI is not an abstract force but a practical instrument that, when properly managed, can amplify human capabilities. The path forward is about leveraging AI to handle repetitive tasks, spark novel ideas, and support decision-making, while people retain control over the direction and ethical framing of their work.