Economic potential of the sphere of culture and leisure in russia and the OECD countries

Abstract

This article analyzes the evolution of theoretical approaches to the role of leisure in transition to innovative economy. Assessment of the economic potential of cultural and leisure sectors is based on a comparative analysis of household demand for recreational and cultural activities, government support measures to the cultural sector, and the creative industries development in Russia, including the export-import balance. The results of the study reveal a significant gap between a high effective demand from families with new requirements for modern cultural environment and the financial state support, providing advanced development of culture and tourism in Russia, stimulating demand in the creative sector, and the development of citizens’ creative potential. Hence, this gap leads to the supply-demand imbalances, increasing outbound tourism, and a sharp interregional disparity in the creative potential development. Underdeveloped sector of creative industries and limited opportunities for creative self-expression reduce the market capacity of culture and leisure supply, and result in a negative trade balance in creative industries, and outflow of qualified youth to foreign countries.