Creative economy: essence and constituent elements (theoretical aspect)

The article considers the theoretical origins of the formation of the concept of «creative economy» in the framework of the evolution of post-industrial theories. There is a significant increase in the second half of the XX century the role of «knowledge» in productivity and economic growth in general. Attention is drawn to the regular formation of an economic system based on knowledge («knowledge economy», «new economy»). The paper reveals the essence of the theory of the «creative class» and creative industries as elements of the concept of «creative economy». It is concluded that Western researchers under the term «creative economy» generalized the creative sector of the post-industrial economy, pointing to the acquisition of financial stability and ability to reproduce. It is noted that the «creative economy» within the post-industrial society is based on knowledge and creativity as capital. At the same time, an integral element of the «creative economy» is a strong institution for the protection of intellectual property.