CHAPTER
2
The development dimension 2
the development dimensions of the creative economy, looking at the economic and cultural linkages, social interactions and environmental considerations. Policy implications in the light of impact of the world economic downturn and its impact for poverty reduction and sustainable development are discussed. The chapter also presents an overview of recent developments regarding the creative economy in regions of the developing world.
The development dimension
Most of the attention in the debate about the creative economy around the world has been paid to developed economies, where creative industries are well established and where participation in global markets for creative products is strong. In developing economies, however, the situation is more nuanced. Asian countries, led by China, are experiencing rapid growth in creative capacities and in recent years have been benefiting from the competitiveness of their creative products in world markets. In other areas of the developing world, national strategies to enhance the creative economy are gradually being put in place but more time is needed for the poorest countries to reinforce their policy and institutional frameworks in order to take best advantage of their creative talents to foster socio-economic development. It is more widely recognized that developing countries have a vast deposit of intangible cultural heritage and traditional cultural expressions that could be better nurtured. This chapter reviews
The analysis is presented in the context of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) since they represent the international policy environment within which national strategies for advancing the creative economy in developing countries are being implemented. Chapter 9 will further elaborate on the multilateral processes and ongoing policy action under implementation by United Nations bodies and the international community pursuant to the Millennium Declaration.
2.1 Policy implications: The Millennium Development Goals The MDGs express the international community’s commitment to the global development agenda. There are eight goals with specific targets to be reached by 2015, namely to: (1) eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; (2) achieve universal primary education; (3) promote gender equality and empower women; (4) reduce child mortality; (5) improve maternal health; (6) combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; (7) ensure environmental sustainability; and (8) develop a global partnership for development. For a number of developing countries progress in attaining the MDGs has been slow and was further aggravated by the devastating impact of the 2008 world financial crisis on the global economy. The crisis was especially devastating in least developed countries (LDCs) that were
already affected by the food crisis and are less able to absorb external shocks. By 2010, although many developing countries had made some progress in reducing poverty, the poorest countries are likely to fail to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger within the next five years without a significant improvement in their economic situation and more targeted development policies that are supported by international cooperation. As the majority of developing countries, in particular the LDCs, have a large proportion of youth and women who need better access to education and jobs, the creative economy should be seen as a workable means to poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability. The MDGs address development challenges as an inherent part of the global economy and the life of soci-
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