Research on creative industries presented at the World Bank and United Nations

Professor Yelena Kalyuzhnova, Director of the Centre for Euro-Asian Studies (CEAS), presented her research on creative industries, resilience and inclusive economic development to representatives of the World Bank Group, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women.

Engaging with policymakers and practitioners, Professor Kalyuzhnova explored how research on the creative economy can contribute to wider international policy debates around economic resilience, inclusive growth, skills, women's economic empowerment and opportunities for young people.

Creative industries vital for resilient local economies

Presenting to the World Bank Group in Washington, Professor Kalyuzhnova examined creative industries not simply as a cultural sector, but as an important component of resilient local economies.

The discussion highlighted the links between creative industries and digital connectivity, entrepreneurship, skills, access to markets, public and cultural spaces and institutional support. The World Bank representatives noted the relevance of the research to local economic development, digital transformation, urban regeneration, tourism, entrepreneurship, women's economic participation and regional resilience.

The research also generated particular interest in relation to cultural heritage and tourism. A key area of focus was how local identity, heritage assets and place-based knowledge can be connected with sustainable tourism, entrepreneurship and community benefits, as well as the importance of collaboration between governments, universities, businesses and creative practitioners.

Opening work opportunities for young people

Visiting the UNFPA and UN Women in New York City, the focus was on the contribution of creative industries to young people's opportunities, wellbeing, gender equality and inclusive development. Creative activity can support livelihoods, skills, confidence, identity, community participation and local economic resilience, while also drawing attention to the challenges faced by creative workers operating through freelance, informal and project-based forms of employment.

The UNFPA discussion also highlighted the importance of moving beyond an emphasis on individual resilience, instead considering the wider systems such as digital infrastructure, skills ecosystems, inclusive finance, mentoring, cultural spaces, local partnerships and institutional support that enable people to participate and thrive. Evidence from Central Asia, Türkiye and the UK demonstrated how research can be translated into capacity-building, practitioner support, local policy change and international policy dialogue.

The discussion with colleagues at UN Women centred on the relationship between creative industries, resilience, women's leadership and inclusive economic development. Particular attention was given to women's economic empowerment and leadership through creative industries, along with the enabling conditions necessary for participation such as access to finance, markets, professional networks, digital skills and mentoring. The CEAS' research utilised evidence from Central Asia, Türkiye and the UK to demonstrate the structural conditions that shape women's participation and leadership in the creative economy.

Reflecting on her trip, Professor Kalyuzhnova said:

"These discussions demonstrated the growing international recognition of creative industries as an important part of economic and social development. Our research shows that creative economies can generate much more than cultural value: they can support entrepreneurship, employment, women's leadership, youth opportunities, community resilience and economic diversification. It was particularly valuable to discuss how our evidence from Central Asia, Türkiye and the UK can contribute to the work of major international development organisations."

The US visit forms part of the CEAS' wider programme of research and engagement on the creative economy. Further international activities are planned for Istanbul, Türkiye, and Almaty, Kazakhstan, in October 2026.