ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE CREATIVE ECONOMY IN POSO REGENCY: Potentials, Challenges, and Policy Directions
Novi Maryam Lempao

Department of Development Economics, Faculty of Economics, Tentena Christian University

Abstract

The creative economy represents a strategic sector in sustainable development as it generates added value based on creativity, innovation, and intellectual property. Although, at the national level, the creative economy demonstrates a positive trend through increased contributions to GDP and employment, its growth remains concentrated in metropolitan areas and is not yet evenly distributed across regions. Disparities in creative ecosystems, limited supporting infrastructure, and low capacity among local creative actors constitute major research gaps that have not been systematically examined. This article presents a conceptual review of the relationship between the creative economy and sustainable development and identifies the potentials and challenges of creative economy development in Indonesia. This review serves as the foundation for designing an empirical research agenda on the creative economy ecosystem in Poso Regency.

The follow-up study is designed using a mixed-methods explanatory approach, beginning with mapping creative subsectors, measuring regional economic contributions, and conducting policy analysis using secondary data. The qualitative phase involves in-depth interviews and actor analysis to assess the roles of government, businesses, academia, and creative communities in shaping the creative ecosystem. The theoretical contribution of this study lies in formulating a conceptual model for strengthening regional creative ecosystems. Practically, the findings are expected to provide actionable policy recommendations for the Poso Regency Government in enhancing the competitiveness of the creative economy as an instrument for inclusive and sustainable economic development.

Keywords: Creative economy- creative ecosystem- sustainable development- public policy- regional development- economic diversification.

Topic: Economics and Development Planning