India’s Creative Economy: Size, Exports and Policy Needs

22 April 20251 min read

Why in the news

A commentary in April 2025 argued that India, aiming for a $5 trillion economy, must turn abundant creativity into scalable innovation.

Globally the creative economy supports over 50 million jobs and earns about $2 trillion yearly.
India’s creative exports rose 20% last year to over $11 billion.
Climate tech drew $2.85 billion in 2023, with grassroots creators getting almost nothing.

Indicator	Figure
World creative services exports, 2022	$1.4 trillion (up 29% since 2017)
World creative goods exports	$713 billion (up 19%)
India creative exports, 2019	$121 billion, services $100 billion
Design share of goods exports	87.5%; arts and crafts about 9%
India creative economy, 2024	$30 billion, 8% of workforce

Four creativity types: deliberate or spontaneous, each emotional or cognitive; innovation usually springs from deliberate, cognitive creativity.
Creativity is individual; innovation needs institutions. Weak infrastructure and funding block scaling.
Examples: Mitticool clay refrigerator, pedal-powered washing machine, amphibious bicycle.

One District One Innovation, like ODOP.
Stronger IPR for informal and indigenous innovation; more local climate adaptation investment.
Partnerships among government, business, schools and local bodies; treat creativity as a strategic resource.

Test yourself

1. In the creative economy notes, what scheme was suggested on the lines of ODOP to support grassroots innovation?

One District One Innovation was proposed, modelled on ODOP.

2. What was the value of India's creative economy in 2024, as per the notes?

It was valued at $30 billion and employed 8% of the workforce.

3. Global creative goods exports reached how much in the UNCTAD 2024 data cited?

Creative goods exports hit $713 billion, up 19%.