DEFINITIONS OF THE CONCEPT OF “CREATIVE ECONOMY” FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SOCIAL GEOGRAPHY

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive study of the evolution of the “creative economy” concept in the context of contemporary transformations such as digitalisation and globalisation. The relevance of the topic is driven by the terminological ambiguity and scholarly divergence that hinder the formation of a unified conceptual framework. The aim is to analyse and systematise theoretical and methodological approaches to defining the creative economy across academic schools and international organisations, culminating in an integrated definition from a socio-geographical perspective. The study outlines nine key approaches: economic-functional, socio-urban, culture-centric, innovation-based, integrative, legal, culturally sustainable, critical, and socio-spatial. Each is examined through core concepts, scholars, and institutions. Special attention is paid to the socio-spatial approach, which views the creative economy as a spatially organised system with areas of concentrated creative activity (e.g., creative clusters and cities). The methodological base includes comparative and content analysis of definitions and policy documents (UNESCO, UNCTAD, EU, WIPO), and a review of works by key scholars (J. Howkins, R. Florida, C. Landry, D. Throsby, and others). As a result, the author formulates an integrated definition of the creative economy as a sector based on intellectual activity that generates value through the creation and commercialisation of culturally and intellectually enriched goods and services. It promotes economic growth, social inclusion, and regional identity. The article emphasises the need for interdisciplinary approaches and provides a theoretical basis for further applied research into the spatial dynamics and development potential of the creative economy.

First received: 5 May 2025
Accepted: 9 June 2025
Published: 12 June 2025