R.Florida’s theory of the creative class represents a significant milestone in understanding the dynamics of the post-industrial economy. This concept is based on the premise that one of the key conditions for the success of businesses producing goods and services demanded by modern consumers is the preliminary establishment of a favorable environment for the emergence and development of a new creative class. This creative class is a distinct segment of the urban population in major metropolitan areas, encompassing professionals not only in traditional creative industries but also in modern high-tech sectors such as film, design, and digital technologies. This article examines the challenges associated with the formation of the creative class in Russia, beginning with the validity of the approach that prioritizes urban development tailored to the needs of a narrow group rather than the broader population. The practical application of the creative class’s capabilities remains largely disconnected from the development of the real economy, contributing primarily to the expansion of the leisure sector. Although this sector is important in the context of a post-industrial society, its influence alone is insufficient for Russia’s ambitions of economic and technological independence. Furthermore, the creative class theory has, in some instances, served as an ideological foundation for attempts to destabilize the socio-political landscape. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that the creative class’s claims to a privileged status in society are not well-founded, given its minimal contribution to economic development and scientific and technological growth. Nevertheless, the creative class, as an integral part of society, should be effectively integrated into the emerging socio-economic reality – one that is grounded in traditional Russian values and behavioral norms. This alignment would enable the creative potential of its representatives to contribute meaningfully to the country’s advancement.
creative class; precariat; creative work; motivation; labor mobility; leisure economy; aristocracy.