Many countries around the world have large populations of impoverished people and high unemployment rates. In order to improve conditions in these countries, national governments must develop effective economic growth strategies with strengthening the creative industries at the forefront. The international community is only just beginning to recognize the socioeconomic potential of creative and cultural industries (CCIs), such as film, fashion, and music. The creative economy represents the trade of creative goods and services and grew at an average rate of 14 percent between 2002 and 2008, even during the 2008 global financial crisis. CCIs are more resilient to economic shocks and were not damaged by the 12 percent drop in global trade to the same degree as other sectors, such as manufacturing.

Creative industries also produce non-rival goods that can be consumed locally or exported. Developing and developed countries around the world should invest further in creative industries to diversify their economies, reduce poverty, and create jobs for young people.

Report overview:

• Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction to the creative economy, creative goods, and creative services.
• Chapter 2 focuses on Taiwan’s creative economy, its most promising sectors, and its government-led approach to supporting the creative industries.
• Chapter 3 is focused on Indonesia’s creative economy, its most promising sectors, and the strategies that its government is employing to strengthen the country’s creative industries.
• Chapter 4 discusses opportunities for the international community to engage with developing countries to strengthen creative economies through intellectual property rights (IPRs) and educational exchanges.
• Chapter 5 discusses recommendations for strengthening creative economies in developing countries.