Creative-Innovation District Synergies: Catalysts for Economic Development

Abstract

This article investigates the economic impact of creative and innovation districts, focusing on their synergies and disparities. The study addresses the scientific gap in comparative analysis and aims to develop a structured framework for evaluating the districts' contribution to urban and economic development. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining a comprehensive literature review with case study analysis (n=8, Latvia). The research revealed that synergical districts—those that integrate creative and innovation functions.  Creative and innovation districts can be evaluated using three main indicator groups: economic performance, innovation and social impact, and policy, infrastructure, and sustainability. Limited availability of longitudinal data and geographic scope (Latvia) may constrain broader generalizability. Future studies could incorporate big data analytics and comparative international analysis. The findings support policy development, infrastructure planning, and investment decisions aimed at fostering creative-innovation synergies. The study offers a novel comparative perspective and proposes a structured evaluation framework, addressing a significant gap in existing literature.