Is Creativity an Effective Urban Development Tool?

APA Journal Analysis Finds Traditional Factors Yield Better Economic Outcomes

A new analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reports finding little evidence that a creative workforce drives regional economic growth and development as effectively as traditional factors. In fact, the analysis reinforces the idea that a focus on key traditional factors brings about better economic outcomes.

"Which Indicators Explain Metropolitan Economic Performance Best: Traditional or Creative Class?," published in the Spring 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Planning Association, explores the extent of the relationship between the presence of the creative class and regional economic performance, and contrasts measures of regional creative capacity with traditional competitiveness factors.

Author Richard Florida explains metropolitan competitiveness by lifestyle choices and ethnic and cultural diversity, rather than traditional production-related factors. The argument is whether the presence of creative people — specifically highly educated professionals, scientists, programmers, designers, and artists — is a key economic performance indicator. If so, improving the quality of life for young educated professionals will stimulate economic development

Full Story: http://www.planning.org/newsreleases/2008/ftp050908.htm