Creative Industries Could Be a New Engine of Iran's Economic Growth

Isfahan – The president's social assistant said: Amid limited investment and shrinking capacity of conventional markets, creative industries could become one of the key capacities for stimulating the country's economy.

According to Mehr reporter, Ali Rabiei, the social assistant of the president, at the closing ceremony of the first national event of Manween creative industries in Isfahan on Thursday afternoon, said: This event, which was organized by the vice president for science, technology and knowledge-based economy, showcased the capacity of creative industries from the perspective of economy, social development and its role in increasing the resilience of society.

Referring to the presence of artists and activists of creative industries from different regions of the country in this event, he added: The variety of works, arts and products presented from different provinces shows that creative industries are rooted in Iran's cultural identity and can provide a context for connecting local capacities with economic opportunities.

Creative industries are a new capacity for economic growth and local development

The social assistant of the president mentioned the formulation of the road map for the development of creative industries as one of the necessities of policy making in this field and said: the president has emphasized on the preparation and approval of the road map for the development of creative industries in order to determine the goals of this field and the government's responsibilities on the way to its realization.

Stating that the development of creative industries requires the cooperation of a set of executive bodies, Rabiei clarified: Cultural heritage, the Ministry of Cooperation, Labor and Social Welfare, banks, the Innovation and Prosperity Fund, the Vice-Chancellor of Science and the Social Security Organization are among the groups that can play a role in strengthening this sector.

He added: increasing the awareness of executive bodies about the capacity of creative industries and strengthening synergy between them can pave the way to support activists in this field, and the creation of a single service window for creative industries activists should also be followed in this framework.

The Social Assistant of the President emphasized the necessity of reviewing the country's economic development patterns and stated: In the situation where the economy is facing investment restrictions and reducing the capacities of conventional markets, creative industries can become one of the important capacities for mobilizing the economy.

From commercialization of ideas to networking and entering international markets

Rabiei continued: the contribution of creative industries to the economic growth of the country can be more than the current situation; Because the capacities of this field are not yet fully known, and even in the economic crisis, it can be used to create new opportunities.

Stating that development should not be limited to increasing economic indicators, he said: Creative industries make it possible for development to be connected with people's daily life, social vitality and the capacities of the local community. This field can provide the basis for the participation of families, artists and small businesses in the process of production and creation of economic value.

Rabiei also considered creativity and innovation as one of the historical capacities of Iranian society and emphasized: In the current situation, the country needs creativity, perseverance, tolerance, sacrifice and empathy more than in the past, and creative industries can be a part of society's ability to overcome difficulties and strengthen economic and social resilience.

In another part of his speech, he discussed the necessity of transforming creative ideas into sustainable products and economic activities and said: Some of the activists in this field have valuable ideas, but due to the inability to transform ideas into products and achieve economic results, their activities come to a dead end. The government should provide the field to study and recognize the capacities of every actor of creative industries so that the path of commercialization of ideas becomes clearer.

Referring to the importance of education in the development of creative businesses, the Social Assistant of the President stated: the activists of this field should be familiar with the strategies of product differentiation, competition in the market, business management and providing financial resources, and the necessary training in this field can be developed through the educational capacities of the country, including the technical and vocational education organization.

Rabiei considered artificial intelligence as one of the factors affecting the future of creative industries and added: the developments caused by artificial intelligence can bring fundamental changes in this field; Therefore, supporting idea labs and artificial intelligence and providing the possibility for creative industry activists to use this technology should be taken seriously.

Emphasizing the need for small businesses to move from scattered activities to professional and network structures, he said: Many creative industry activists do not have the necessary financial power to create production and supply chains. The formation of professional networks and chains with the support of government institutions can help to increase the sustainability, develop activities and strengthen the competitiveness of these businesses.

Rabiei listed market development and presence in international arenas as other requirements for the growth of creative industries and clarified: Stabilizing the domestic market and moving towards the internationalization of creative products and services, especially in regional markets, requires targeted planning and support.

He also emphasized the necessity of protecting intellectual property and intellectual property and said: Creative industry activists must protect their cultural and intellectual property, and along with that, the legal and regulatory frameworks necessary to protect intellectual property in this area should be strengthened.

In the end, the Social Assistant of the President considered continuous learning, strengthening economic and social resilience, and simultaneous attention to the economic benefit and social value of businesses as requirements for the development of creative industries and emphasized: Businesses in this field should be able to recreate themselves in accordance with technological and market developments, and the effects of their activities, in addition to generating income, can also be seen in the improvement of society's life.