3. A New Creative Class

floridaWhat do scientists, engineers, architects, designers, teachers, professors, artists, poets, writers, musicians, and actors have in common with lawyers, health care, financial and software professionals? Creativity says Richard Florida, Professor of Regional Economic Development at Carnegie Mellon University and author of The Rise of the Creative Class.

Not only do they share a desire to function creatively in their professional and social lives they also share “a common creative ethos that values creativity, individuality, difference and merit,” he adds. Interestingly these values cross-traditional ethnic, gender and sexual distinctions like no class system of the past.

It is a class that is rejecting and resisting traditional institutional and organizational structures and norms. They are individuals. They demonstrate an appreciation of hard work, stiff challenges and are “motivated by the respect of their peers.” It is a class based on meritocracy. Finally they are a group that is mobile, flexible and open. They view diversity in all its cultural, social and economic manifestations as a value added proposition. They are open. Florida feels that individuality, meritocracy, and diversity and openness are the core drivers of the creative class and by extension the creative economy.

This new class argues Florida has the potential, “power, talent and numbers to play a big role in reshaping our world.”

  • Now in the USA!

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    The creative economy is spreading to the USA. A new research project has just been launched to gauge the state of the creative economy in America. It's an experimental crowd sourced and funded project. We Need You!

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