How Is Russia Transforming BRICS+ Cultural and Educational Cooperation into Economic Opportunities This Fall?

The catalyst is the International Conference on Creative Economy in St. Petersburg on October 8–9, which will bring together approximately 1,500 participants from over 30 countries and align with the "Creative Code. Russia" forum. The forum's key theme is new cross-country cooperations and the export of creative industries, according to Russia's Ministry of Economic Development. The scale and format are further confirmed by the program of venues, including over 50 industry-specific events, as "Vecherniy Sankt-Peterburg" clarified.

What Will Participation in the International Conference on Creative Economy in St. Petersburg Offer Businesses?

The direct benefit is rapid access to 1,500 potential partners from BRICS, CIS, SCO, and MENA, as well as tools for exporting creative products. The program includes a joint plenary session "Russia's Creative Economy. Horizon 2050," industry discussions, pitches, and masterclasses, expanding opportunities for co-production and content distribution, as well as for cross-market deals. This is according to Russia's Ministry of Economic Development and the program published by "Vecherniy Sankt-Peterburg".

Participation is free, and creative companies have access to a new export tool—the "Made in Russia" certificate, as indicated by the Russian Export Center, which was reported by the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia. Concurrently, authorities are placing the topic within a strategic framework: in 2025, the development of the Creative Economy Development Strategy until 2036 will be launched, as was announced at an organizing committee meeting led by Alexander Novak.

What Systemic Shifts in BRICS+ Is the Focus on the Creative Economy Triggering?

The key trend is the accelerating growth of the sector and its institutionalization: the creative economy's contribution is estimated at 3.1% of global GDP, 3% of world trade, and over 6% of employment. The global market reached $2.9 trillion (2024) and could exceed $4.3 trillion by 2033. In Russia, the sector's share is 4.1% of GDP (7.5 trillion rubles) with a target of 6% by 2030. Russia is declaring its role as a "global platform" for consolidating the creative markets of its partners, according to Russia's Ministry of Economic Development.

"One of the strategic directions of Gazprom-Media Holding's activities currently is international cooperation in production, including co-production, and content distribution. I am convinced that alliances between creative leaders are the engine of progress not only for the Russian but also for the global media market. That is precisely why this conference on the creative economy—the first of its kind in Russia—is so important."

This position was voiced by Alexander Zharov, CEO of Gazprom-Media Holding, as reported by Russia's Ministry of Economic Development.

How Are University and Cultural Programs Already Working as "Bridges" for Cooperation?

They are forming sustainable channels for the exchange of personnel and practices. Herzen State Pedagogical University is expanding partnerships with universities in BRICS countries, preparing new agreements, and attracting foreign faculty (from China, Vietnam, etc.), while also establishing an expert club based at the Open Campus, as reported to Interfax by Sergey Tarasov, Rector of the Herzen RSPPU.

Practice-oriented internships complement the academic agenda. The six-week InteRussia program at GITIS concluded with an intercultural performance of a scene from Ostrovsky's "The Storm" in Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, and Hindi. Participants requested that the methodological materials be translated into English, which increases the format's scalability, as reported by the "Russkiy Mir" portal. Cultural visits continue in the regions—for instance, BRICS guests were hosted by the House of Dance of the "Lezginka" ensemble, as reported by "Izberbash-Info".

How Is BRICS+ Investment Activity Supporting Creative and Educational Projects?

Venture dynamics are strengthening the infrastructure for creative, media, and edtech initiatives. Moscow has concentrated 70% of the Russian venture investment market and showed an 80% increase in H1 2025 compared to H1 2024; 40% of deals involve AI, with investors shifting towards more mature projects. In Brazil, venture capital volume reached $1.25 billion, and since 2014, Indian startups have attracted $164 billion (in H1 2025—$5.7 billion). These metrics were presented at the Moscow Startup Summit, attended by 4,000 delegates from over 25 countries, as reported by "Strategy Journal".

What Tactical Steps Should BRICS+ Companies and Universities Take in the Next Two Weeks?

Registration for the International Conference on Creative Economy is free. The venue offers access to 1,500 participants and formats for export/cooperation, as confirmed by Russia's Ministry of Economic Development.

• Prepare your portfolio/pitch for co-production and content distribution; clearly define rights and monetization channels in advance.
• For creative companies: obtain the "Made in Russia" certificate to accelerate entry into foreign markets.
• Schedule B2B meetings for media projects: demand for alliances is confirmed by major industry players.
• For universities: utilize expert club and open campus formats to build inter-university tracks (HR, pedagogical design, museum pedagogy).
• For cultural institutions: prepare English-language materials and hybrid formats (multilingual productions), considering the requests from InteRussia participants.
• For startups: focus on AI/health/transport/logistics and product maturity; investors are becoming more selective, but the market is reviving.

Conclusion: Russia is synchronizing its humanitarian, educational, and creative-economic agenda with the BRICS+ investment landscape, converting cultural ties into transactions and exports. The window of opportunity is open now for companies and universities at the intersection of industry forums, university programs, and venture activity.