Indices of creative economy: critique of R. Florida's creativity indices

Abstract

This paper analyzes R. Florida’s creativity indices as related to creative economy. The argument consists of six specific criticisms. 1. Counting the Gay Index is problematic because “gay” is a cultural, social and ethical category, not a physical one. 2. The Talent Index expresses something fundamentally contradictory to talent, namely, an orientation towards an average consumer’s taste. As the Talent Index rises, the actual talent of a society decreases and loses value. As university education becomes more and more attractive, it becomes more easily attainable, and, hence, becomes devalued and, thus, less attractive. Instead of contradicting one another, social and creative capitals supplement each other. 4. There is a saturation point to immigration, so that increasing immigration past this point no longer increases creativity. 5. The Melting Pot Index should be extended by accounting for second and third generations of immigrants. 6. Creativity of a society is nourished not only by its variety but also by its identity, which is inseparable from traditions that have been handed-down over generations.