The Strategic Role of the Creative Economy in Offsetting Iran's Oil Revenue Fluctuations by 2035: Policy Solutions from Global Experiences

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Candidate in Futures Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Accounting, Faculty of Social Sciences, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran.

4 Professor, Department of Information Technology Management, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

5 Department of Political Science, Imam Khomeini International University , Qazvin, Iran

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role of the creative economy in compensating for fluctuations in Iran's oil-dependent revenue and to provide policy solutions for economic diversification by 2035. This descriptive-analytical study, employing a deductive approach, utilized secondary documentary and library data. The statistical population included data on Iran's creative economy and experiences of leading and emerging countries (South Korea, the UK, Australia, Japan, UAE, and the USA), with purposive sampling. Data collection tools comprised content analysis of reliable reports and domestic documents. Data validity was ensured by referencing credible sources, and reliability was confirmed through comparison with similar studies. Data analysis was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methods (content analysis and comparative analysis) and Excel software. The findings indicate that in 2023, which marked the best year for the creative economy to date, Iran's creative economy contributed approximately 2.83% to GDP. However, due to a subsequent decline in the tourism economy, this figure is estimated to decrease to around 2%. A review of experiences from South Korea, the UK, Australia, the USA, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan also showed that strategic investment in cultural, digital, and creative industries, coupled with appropriate policymaking, can provide a sustainable alternative to compensate for oil revenue fluctuations (approximately 2% of GDP in 2023). The creative economy's share of GDP could increase to 5% by 2035, serving as a suitable substitute for this revenue deficit caused by oil price fluctuations. Proposed solutions, based on global experiences, include establishing creative free zones, supporting startups, strengthening cultural tourism, developing digital infrastructure and creative product exports, international networking, reforming intellectual property laws, and developing specialized educational programs.

Keywords

References

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Futures Studies Of The Islamic Revolution
Volume 1405, Issue 1
April 2026
Pages 61-91

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 19 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 01 February 2026
  • Publish Date: 21 March 2026

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