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This report builds on the findings from the Technical Deep Dive (TDD) ‘Creative Cities: Case of Kyoto,’ organized by the Tokyo Development and Learning Center (TDLC) in partnership with UNESCO and the City of Kyoto in January 2020. The TDD focused on the framework for developing creative cities and the impact that creative industries can have on cities’ spatial, economic, and social development. Using the case of Kyoto in Japan, the TDD highlighted the different components of creative neighborhoods and communities and how to build them. This report uses the case of Kyoto to demonstrate how city planners and the local private sector can collectively build creative communities. It builds on an important conversation on how to leverage creative cities to safeguard inclusive economic development and catalyze urban spaces that enhance economic, urban, and social development. Insights for this report were derived from a literature review along with interviews with practitioners with a focus on creative clusters and spatial transformation. Social inclusion is also a theme that we discuss in the report, though to a lesser degree because of data constraints. This report provides distilled practical lessons and key insights for policy makers and practitioners interested in applying the concept of creative cities effectively. Using the case of Kyoto, the report analyzes how creative communities and policy action can be leveraged for urban transformation not only at the neighborhood level but also citywide and beyond.

Communities of entrepreneurs are creating positive impacts on local economies. When they establish new businesses and innovate across industries, they bring about economic growth and employment. Entrepreneurs are generally drawn to cities because of their available resources and networks, specifically access to knowledge and sector-specific needs, and the exchange of information that occurs when an entrepreneurial community is brought together. Central to these ecosystems are creative community spaces (CCSs)—a range of physical spaces that enable innovation by creating a convening point for a community of entrepreneurs and start-ups. CCSs serve to anchor entrepreneurial communities and influence the urban economic and physical landscape.This report showcases a selection of 13 CCSs around the world that contribute to building a community that is sustainable and entrepreneurial and/or is helping advance an industry-specific or sectoral community. This report’s only intent is to showcase inspiring examples and models being implemented in diverse environments across the world. The authors hope this will help catalyze a conversation about the role of creative spaces in urban ecosystem development and provide policy makers as well as city innovation practitioners and private investors a better understanding of these spaces and how to leverage them effectively.