What Makes Us Different? A Creative Zagreb on Its Way to Creative Europe

In the last ten years, cultural and creative industries have become a popular direction for local development. Many cities use them as tools for economic development as well as for achieving greater visibility in a wider environment, especially paired with tourism. Although the development of cities based on cultural and creative industries is typical for the Anglo-Saxon world, the model has become generally accepted throughout the world. Even the new European Union financial instrument is based on the promotion of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, as well as on strengthening the competitiveness in cultural and creative sectors with the aim of promoting smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Studies completed by the Institute for Development and International Relations for the City of Zagreb analyze the state of Zagreb’s cultural and creative industries, putting them in relation with cities’ development models. This article analyzes the potentials and opportunities for positioning Zagreb within the European context and offers reflections for further development.