Routledge Studies in Contemporary Political Economy

Pushing the frontiers of the new development paradigm, this book guides debates, clarifies new themes and illustrates how the cultural resources of the developing world can become a new way of integrating into the global economy - helping to raise the voices of developing countries, widening the range of creative choices and promoting cultural diversity and economic and human development.

Mixing theory, country case-studies and policy analysis this volume argues that developing countries can use their creative assets and energies as a source of economic growth - if they can better position themselves in the global economy, turning on its head the polarized debate about commerce and culture to take a fresh look at some traditional activities whose intrinsic cultural value has for too long hidden their economic worth.

It includes essays from economists, lawyers and industry experts on global trade trends; digital-technology; film in West Africa; audio visuals in India; the music industry in Brazil and the Caribbean; the copyright industry in Arab countries, and policy lessons from developed countries - including sources of finance, subsidies and the role of incubators and intermediaries.

Fresh and incisive, this policy lead book on one of the world's fastest growing sectors is an invaluable resource for to economists and policy-makers alike, as well as those with an interest in industrial organization, development policy, evolutionary economics and the creative industries.