Alexander Novak: The First International Conference on the Creative Economy will bring together representatives from more than 30 countries.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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The International Conference on Creative Economy, the first and flagship event of the Russian Creative Seasons, is expected to attract 1,500 participants from more than 30 countries. This was announced during a meeting of the conference organizing committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

The event will take place on October 8–9 in St. Petersburg.

The conference will bring together representatives of creative industries from BRICS, CIS, SCO, and MENA countries, who will seek common solutions and establish new partnerships. The conference will focus on the impact of creative industries on the economy, society, and new pathways for international cooperation.

"With growing interest in joint production, the creative economy is becoming an important part of the global economy, facilitating the development of projects related to cultural exchange. This year, we are beginning to formulate a comprehensive Strategy for the Development of the Creative Economy through 2036, which should encompass a wide range of areas, taking into account global trends and emphasizing locality, thereby integrating the interests of various cultures and creating new niches. In this regard, the Russian Creative Seasons and the international RICS conference are very timely and relevant. This is the first large-scale international event in Russia aimed at developing the creative economy as a tool for foreign economic integration," noted Alexander Novak, co-chair of the organizing committee.

"Following the results of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the President instructed the development and approval of a long-term strategy for the development of the creative economy. The Roscongress Foundation, as a socially oriented non-financial development institution and organizer of major international events, has been holding events on creative industries for ten years and devotes significant attention to creating conditions for realizing the economic potential of creative industries and increasing creative exports. This joint international conference with the ASI will expand the scope of events on the creative agenda with industry-specific project formats, working towards the practical implementation of intergovernmental treaties and agreements in the creative sectors of the economy," emphasized Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of Russia and Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee.

The conference will feature approximately fifty discussions in various formats. Key among these will be roundtables devoted to industry collaboration, co-production, and the exchange of experience between Russia and the CIS, BRICS, SCO, and MENA countries. This is why half of the 250 speakers will be international.

Main topics of discussion:

· A global, unified and transparent measurement system for creative economy research

· Protection of intellectual property in the creative economy

· Development of the education system taking into account the specifics and objectives of the creative economy

· The role of creative cities in the development of countries' economies

· Strategies for the global promotion of creative industries

Russia's cooperation within the BRICS, SCO, CIS, and Russian-Chinese cooperation

"A prime example is our 'Know Ours' competition, which over three years has identified a huge number of unique and high-quality domestic brands. Some of these brands have the potential to integrate into the global context, which prompts the search for tools to help them enter international markets. Russian International Creative Seasons should become a platform for positioning and integrating Russian creative industries into all key international events, both domestically and internationally," noted Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office and co-chair of the organizing committee.

Creative industries are one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy today. In 2024, their contribution to Russia's GDP amounted to 4.1%, or 7.5 trillion rubles. The goal is to increase this figure to 6% of GDP by 2030. In the first half of 2025, the creative economy's contribution already amounted to 3.9% of GDP.

"The main goal of the Russian International Creative Seasons is to create a permanent platform for international dialogue and integrate domestic creative industries into the global market. We are working to increase the creative sector's contribution to the national economy to 6%, and we are conducting this work jointly with the regions and under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Development. We expect guests from 32 countries at the conference, including BRICS, the CIS, the SCO, and MENA. The entire business program is focused on practical results," said ASI General Director Svetlana Chupsheva.

Visits to creative spaces in St. Petersburg are also planned for international conference participants. As of the end of 2024, the share of creative industries in the Northern Capital's gross regional product reached 12.6%, making the city one of the country's leaders in this area.

"Creative industries are a vital component of St. Petersburg's economy. They contribute to the diversity of goods and services, improve their quality, and create new jobs. At the President's direction, leveraging the city's rich historical experience and potential, we continue to expand the share of creative industries in St. Petersburg. The international conference and forum, which will be held on the banks of the Neva, will help domestic companies establish partnerships, bring innovative ideas to life, and open new production facilities, including those aimed at the global market," emphasized St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov.

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