PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS FOR CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL ECONOMIES AND COMMUNITIES

The purpose of this study is to analyze and present the problems and perspectives of the cultural and creative industries in the context of the sustainable development of local economies and communities. The authors argue that a deeper understanding of the cultural and creative industries, as a complex phenomenon that has a versatile and multi-layered impact, would allow local government representatives to benefit more fully from the results of their own investments, which is particularly valid for their social dimension, in terms of improving quality of life leading to population growth, attracting educated and active citizens, cultural diversity and community cohesionSome of the problems facing the cultural and creative industries related to the strategy and the vision for the sector are being analyzed, the regulatory framework, the incomplete functioning of the systems of culture, arts and education, the lack of a "shared communication vision" on the challenges and perspectives of the municipal and local authorities, the contradictory nature of individual regulations and regulations, the cumbersome procedures and notices of public service, etc.The study demonstrates the hypothesis that investment in cultural and creative industries has the potential to generate jobs, innovation and productivity, improve the quality of life on the ground, stimulate new ideas and thinking within the community, and influence a wide range of political priorities, which is a major reason for every sustainable municipality to be given the necessary attention and to direct the institutional and administrative resources for research, planning and development. Each of the local authorities needs to understand their importance and look for a form of investment appropriate to local circumstances, as CCIs and local administrations have mutual benefits from close cooperation and interaction. These benefits could be achieved through direct investments tailored to the needs of CCIs (eg through physical infrastructure, skills, networks and business support).The report is for scientific research project DN № 05/1, 14.12.2016 „Communicational Model for Interactive Educational Environment for Post – Graduate Professional and Vocational Studies in the Field of Cultural and Creative Industries“, with the financial support of National Science Fund (NSF) of Ministry of Education and Science (MES) of Bulgaria.