Issue 2(2) 2026
EDITOR’S NOTE
Tatiana E. RIVCHUN
Creative Industries as a Tool for Reimagining Space
Dear friends!
This issue is dedicated to rethinking space in its many dimensions – industrial, urban, educational, and entrepreneurial. Today, the creative industries are no longer merely a fashionable buzzword; they have become a powerful instrument for revitalizing territories, shaping new meanings, and creating sustainable models of development.
In this issue, we also present an analytical review based on the proceedings of the conference organized by the Higher School of Economics Institute for Creative Industries Development. What are the key concerns of the sector in 2026? What challenges does it face? In which direction is regulation evolving? These and other questions are explored in the pages of this issue.
The contributions collected here – ranging from the philosophy of atmosphere to economic research – offer a multidimensional perspective on the creative industries and provide a comprehensive understanding of the processes shaping the field today.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our authors for the depth and rigor of their work, and I warmly invite you, dear readers, to join the dialogue.
Tatiana Rivchun
HSE University (Russia, Moscow), PhD (Dr.Sc.) in Economics, Professor, Editor-in-Chiefу.
Keywords: Creative Industries, Artificial Intelligence, Tool for Reimagining Space
Citation: Rivchun, T. E. (2026). Creative Industries as a Tool for Reimagining Space. Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 8-9.
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This issue is dedicated to rethinking space in its many dimensions – industrial, urban, educational, and entrepreneurial. Today, the creative industries are no longer merely a fashionable buzzword; they have become a powerful instrument for revitalizing territories, shaping new meanings, and creating sustainable models of development.
In this issue, we also present an analytical review based on the proceedings of the conference organized by the Higher School of Economics Institute for Creative Industries Development. What are the key concerns of the sector in 2026? What challenges does it face? In which direction is regulation evolving? These and other questions are explored in the pages of this issue.
The contributions collected here – ranging from the philosophy of atmosphere to economic research – offer a multidimensional perspective on the creative industries and provide a comprehensive understanding of the processes shaping the field today.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our authors for the depth and rigor of their work, and I warmly invite you, dear readers, to join the dialogue.
Tatiana Rivchun
HSE University (Russia, Moscow), PhD (Dr.Sc.) in Economics, Professor, Editor-in-Chiefу.
Keywords: Creative Industries, Artificial Intelligence, Tool for Reimagining Space
Citation: Rivchun, T. E. (2026). Creative Industries as a Tool for Reimagining Space. Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 8-9.
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ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT IN CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
Diana A. KARPOVA, Irina A. SIZOVA, Valeriy E. GORDIN
Models of Industrial Heritage Musealization and Their Role in Tourist Destination Branding
Abstract. This article examines the musealization of industrial heritage and its role in regional and corporate branding. The relevance of this study stems from deindustrialization processes, the growth of industrial tourism, and the need to preserve historical memory, which is particularly important in the context of Russian realities – the lack of a legal definition of the concept of “industrial heritage” and the fragmented nature of its musealization practices. The aim of this article was to identify the most effective models of industrial heritage musealization as a tool for creating and promoting regional tourism and corporate brands. To achieve this goal, the following objectives were addressed. First, the authors clarify the meaning of this concept, including both tangible objects and intangible evidence of industrial activity. Second, based on the criterion of preservation or cessation of production, three models of musealization are identified: objects that have completely lost their productive function; areas with partial reuse; museums at operating enterprises. Third, the reflection of these models in the branding of tourist destinations (on the websites of regional tourist information center’s (TICs)) and in corporate branding (on enterprise websites) was empirically studied. Fourth, it was found that museums in revitalized areas are more often represented on TIC websites, with the completeness of the information depending on whether the creative cluster is featured on the website. Corporate museums of operating factories are virtually absent from public tourism resources, indicating internal isolation and limiting their potential as tools for territorial development. The obtained results allow for a new understanding of the relationship between musealization formats and branding strategies.
Keywords: musealization, industrial heritage, destination branding, corporate branding, creative cluster, Tourist Information Centre
Citation: Karpova, D. A., Sizova, I. A., & Gordin, V. E. (2026). Models of Industrial Heritage Musealization and Their Role in Tourist Destination Branding. Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 10–31. doi: 10.7868/S3033670826020012 (In Russ.).
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Keywords: musealization, industrial heritage, destination branding, corporate branding, creative cluster, Tourist Information Centre
Citation: Karpova, D. A., Sizova, I. A., & Gordin, V. E. (2026). Models of Industrial Heritage Musealization and Their Role in Tourist Destination Branding. Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 10–31. doi: 10.7868/S3033670826020012 (In Russ.).
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CREATIVE CLUSTERS, HUBS AND URBANISM
Elias José MEDIOTTE, Thiago Duarte PIMENTEL
Placemaking for Cities (Aspiring to Become) Creative
Abstract. This paper advances a conceptual analysis of the role of governance and placemaking in fostering interactions among the State, society, and territorial development, taking as its point of departure cities that either hold or aspire to creative city status. This study is grounded in an interpretive engagement with the literature on territorial development, governance, creativity, and placemaking. In discussing development, particularly in creative cities, two major orientations stand out: one that reproduces the traditional capitalist model and another grounded in solidaristic principles. The analysis suggests that contemporary technological transformations have required increasingly entrepreneurial and innovative responses, involving cooperation among local actors to promote territorial development through governance and placemaking. The conclusions suggest that understanding territorial development requires examining the dynamics and articulations among local actors. They also show that governance and placemaking currently constitute relevant tools for addressing a range of issues, such as socio-spatial inequalities, in in creative and aspiring creative cities, while enhancing the effectiveness of development initiatives within their respective territories.
Keywords: governance, territorial development, creative economy, placemaking, public policy
Citation: Mediotte, E. J., & Pimentel, T. D. (2026). Placemaking for Cities (Aspiring to Become) Creative. Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 32–39. doi: 10.7868/S30336708260200244.
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Keywords: governance, territorial development, creative economy, placemaking, public policy
Citation: Mediotte, E. J., & Pimentel, T. D. (2026). Placemaking for Cities (Aspiring to Become) Creative. Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 32–39. doi: 10.7868/S30336708260200244.
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Fábio dos SANTOS BARBOSA, Edegar Luis TOMAZZONI
On the Tracks of Creativity: The Tourist Train, the Formation of Clusters and the Dynamics of Local Socioeconomic Development
Abstract. This paper analyzes the potential of the tourist train as an instrument of local development by articulating the concepts of tourism clusters and the creative economy. The doctoral thesis “The Tourist Train and the Role of Public, Business and Community Actors in the Context of a Tourism Cluster”, produced by the author and supervised by the co-author, constitutes the theoretical and methodological framework of this paper. Based on qualitative research and an exploratory approach, three Brazilian experiences are examined: the Trem das Águas (MG), the Guararema Train (SP) and the project currently being implemented in São Roque (SP). Data collection involved interviews, questionnaires, direct observation and action research. The results reveal that the tourist train, by integrating railway heritage, cultural practices and cooperation networks, can stimulate the local economy, strengthen territorial identities and contribute to local development. The creative economy, understood as a transversal strategy grounded in culture, memory and innovation, emerges as a structuring element in the consolidation of unique tourism products and in the symbolic valorization of territories. When supported by integrated public policies and community participation, tourist train projects can foster creative clusters, generating synergies among segments such as handicrafts, gastronomy, music, heritage and hospitality. Governance by public, private and social actors is an essential factor for the success of these initiatives. Based on the three experiences analyzed, the paper proposes an analytical model of a railway-based creative tourism cluster, highlighting creativity as a central axis of territorial development. In summary, railway tourism articulated with the creative economy presents itself as a viable and innovative strategy for local socioeconomic development, provided that it is supported by favorable legal frameworks and by the mobilization of tourism actors.
Keywords: tourist train, creative tourism, heritage, governance, innovative cluster
Citation: Santos Barbosa, F., & Tomazzoni, E. L. (2026). On the Tracks of Creativity: The Tourist Train, the Formation of Clusters and the Dynamics of Local Socioeconomic Development. Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 40–56. doi: 10.7868/S3033670826020036.
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Keywords: tourist train, creative tourism, heritage, governance, innovative cluster
Citation: Santos Barbosa, F., & Tomazzoni, E. L. (2026). On the Tracks of Creativity: The Tourist Train, the Formation of Clusters and the Dynamics of Local Socioeconomic Development. Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 40–56. doi: 10.7868/S3033670826020036.
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EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
Natalia A. LOGUTOVA
Between Atmosphere and Dispositive: Design of Digital Educational Environments of Museums as Informal Educational Spaces
Abstract. The object of our multimodal analysis is the digital environment of museums, which we conceptualize as an extension of the educational environment. We employ a combination of existing approaches to assessing museum websites, drawing on the concepts of “atmosphere” (environmental context) and “device” (technical context). We theoretically substantiate the application of the concepts of “atmosphere” and “device” to the analysis of museums’ digital environments, and develop and test a methodology for device analysis adapted for studying museum websites. Through the analysis, we examine case studies of leading global museums, identifying types of design strategies (“multimedia business card websites,” “encyclopedia websites,” “modern media resources”) and describing their design principles through the interrelationship between the concepts of “atmosphere” (emotional and sensory context) and “device” (a structured system of technical means and conditions). The goal of digital museum environment design is to engage visitors and make informal learning emotionally rich through a combination of atmospheric elements and structured content. It is important to consider the balance between technology and the preservation of the human element, which remains a key factor in museum pedagogy. Furthermore, the use of modern technologies often serves as a competitive advantage for museum and sociocultural spaces. In particular, digital technologies can help preserve and transmit cultural heritage to future generations, even if the original exhibits are damaged or lost. The latest developments allow museums to communicate with visitors on multiple levels, engaging all senses, and enabling visitors to easily find and explore the information they need. The relevance of this research stems from changing approaches to education, the expanding role of informal educational environments, and the transformation of museums in the digital age.
Keywords: museum educational environment, atmosphere, display, museum digital environment design, museum website
Citation: Logutova, N. A. (2026). Between Atmosphere and Dispositive: Design of Digital Educational Environments of Museums as Informal Educational Spaces. Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 57–75. doi: 10.7868/S3033670826020048 (In Russ.).
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Keywords: museum educational environment, atmosphere, display, museum digital environment design, museum website
Citation: Logutova, N. A. (2026). Between Atmosphere and Dispositive: Design of Digital Educational Environments of Museums as Informal Educational Spaces. Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 57–75. doi: 10.7868/S3033670826020048 (In Russ.).
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INDUSTRIAL AND CROSS-SECTOR RESEARCH
Elizaveta V. STARILOVA
From an Original Designer Toy for Adult Consumers to an Entrepreneurial Project
Abstract. The article examines the development of an original designer toy for an adult audience in the context of growing interest in kidult consumption, collectible objects, character-based products and emotionally meaningful accessories. The study follows a sequential logic: from the analysis of the market and consumer practices to the formation of a product concept and an entrepreneurial launch model. The first part of the article discusses designer toys as objects whose value is determined not only by their visual form, but also by emotional response, collectability, visual expressiveness, connection with fandom and the possibility of self-expression. Particular attention is paid to the cases of Pop Mart, Labubu, Jellycat, Funko, Fuggler, ChikoRoko and the Russian handmade segment. These cases make it possible to identify different models for commercializing designer toys, including blind box mechanics, open choice, limited editions, serial product lines and experience-based retail. The second part of the article applies these findings to the development of the original project M51, a collection of designer alien keychains based on strange-cute aesthetics and a space-inspired visual theme. The article considers the choice of the target audience, the formulation of the value proposition, the testing of consumer interest, the monetization model and the main conclusions of unit economics. The study shows that transforming an original designer toy into an entrepreneurial project requires a combination of an expressive product concept, a clear consumption scenario, validated demand and an economically grounded launch model.
Keywords: designer toy, adult consumers, kidult consumption, blind box, collecting, strange-cute, handmade segment, authorial project, M51
Citation: Starilova, E. V. (2026). From an Original Designer Toy for Adult Consumers to an Entrepreneurial Project. Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 76–90. doi: 10.7868/S303367082602005X (In Russ.).
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Keywords: designer toy, adult consumers, kidult consumption, blind box, collecting, strange-cute, handmade segment, authorial project, M51
Citation: Starilova, E. V. (2026). From an Original Designer Toy for Adult Consumers to an Entrepreneurial Project. Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 76–90. doi: 10.7868/S303367082602005X (In Russ.).
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REVIEWS. DIGEST. INTERVIEWS
Irada Kh. AYUPOVA
The Experience of the Republic of Tatarstan in Supporting and Developing Creative Industries (Review)
The shortage of skilled personnel in the creative industries is being addressed by attracting young specialists through the creation of comfortable living and working conditions, including housing and access to cultural and educational resources, as part of the "Zemsky Rabotnik" program being implemented in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Citation: Ayupova, I. Kh. (2026). The Experience of the Republic of Tatarstan in Supporting and Developing Creative Industries (Review). Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 91–96. (In Russ.).
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Citation: Ayupova, I. Kh. (2026). The Experience of the Republic of Tatarstan in Supporting and Developing Creative Industries (Review). Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 91–96. (In Russ.).
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HSE University
“Strategic Development of Creative Industries – 2026”: Final Proposals Based on the Results of the Research and Practical Conference of the Institute for Creative Industries Development, Faculty of Creative Industries, HSE University (Analysis)
On March 24, 2026, the Institute for the Development of the Creative Industries of the Faculty of Creative Industries at the National Research University Higher School of Economics held a scientific-practical conference titled "Strategic Development of the Creative Industries." For the sessions, the most significant problems and challenges facing the development of the creative industries were identified in three areas: 1) Export of creative industries: priorities of state policy, measures of federal and regional support, and adaptation of best practices; 2) Creative industries in small towns; 3) Creative industries and tourism. The aim of the strategic sessions was to develop consolidated proposals for the development of the creative industries in response to contemporary challenges, taking into account the views of interested institutions. Representatives of government, business, and academic researchers were invited to participate in the strategic sessions in order to gather the perspectives of all stakeholders. More than 70 experts representing six regions of the Russian Federation took part in the strategic sessions.
Citation: (2026). “Strategic Development of Creative Industries – 2026”: Final Proposals Based on the Results of the Research and Practical Conference of the Institute for Creative Industries Development, Faculty of Creative Industries, HSE University (Analysis). Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 97–111. (In Russ.).
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Citation: (2026). “Strategic Development of Creative Industries – 2026”: Final Proposals Based on the Results of the Research and Practical Conference of the Institute for Creative Industries Development, Faculty of Creative Industries, HSE University (Analysis). Kreativnye industrii [Creative Industries R&D], 2(2), 97–111. (In Russ.).
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