Creative industries

The digital revolution has vastly expanded the frontiers of the creative industries, turning it into a sector that generates $2.25 trillion of revenues globally. This is comparable to the gross domestic product of Brazil or India.  

This powerful economic sector – which encompasses arts, crafts, performing arts, fashion, software - is of particular importance to developing countries who are working to diversify their exports. 

ITC is working to propel this sector forward through online training for micro small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the creative industries, connecting enterprises to business collaborations and supporting governments to develop sector export strategies. Increased trade will generate jobs and incomes, and contributes to cultural knowledge and national branding. We focus on artisanal products, visual arts and music in developing and transition economies. 

Creative goods exports from developing countries more than tripled between 2002 and 2015, rising from $84 billion to $265 billion. They accounted for 53% of world exports of creative goods in 2015. However, Covid-19 had a significant impact on the creative economy and the millions of people who rely on it for their livelihoods, making the promotion and protection of the industry one of ITC’s priorities.