Creative economy in continuous evolution

Abstract

The creative economy has been considered in the past decade as a major force for economic development, as well as a relevant factor for social and economic transformation. However, the COVID-19 pandemic showed the vulnerability of different fields of the creative economy, rising income gaps, and other societal issues that stimulated rethinking the creative economy for a sustainable perspective as well as fair development for all. In this complex, the present issue of Culture. Society. Economy. Politics proposes discussions on the evolution of the creative economies, having in mind that they are at crossroads around the world. Cultural and creative industries are increasingly more connected to concepts such as (social) innovation, sustainability, fairness, and wellbeing, being an increasingly more important part of both economies and societies. These evolutions led to the proclaiming of 2021 as the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, 2021. This UNCTAD initiative is aiming to highlight the complexity and value of creative economy, but also to promote sustained and inclusive economic growth, foster innovation, provide opportunities, generate benefits, ensure empowerment for all, as well as respect for all human rights (UNCTAD, 2019). (extras)