Russia's Fernost region turns creative hobbies into profitable businesses by 2026
A new initiative in the Fernost region plans to transform creative hobbies into thriving businesses. The project, developed by a student from the local branch of United Russia's Higher Party School, was recently discussed at the Creative Competencies Polygon in Khabarovsk.
State Duma Deputy Maksim Ivanov highlighted its importance as part of a broader push to grow the creative economy across Russia.
The scheme will run from 2026 to 2028 and aims to build a full ecosystem for creative industries. This includes a professional network, industry committees, training programmes, and accelerator schemes. A permanent platform for dialogue will also be set up to support collaboration.
Project coordinator Bogdan Andrianov explained that the goal is simple: help people move from having a creative pastime to running a profitable business. The initiative is expected to create jobs and strengthen the regional economy.
Ivanov stressed that developing creative industries is now a national priority. By 2030, the government wants the creative sector to contribute 6% of Russia's GDP. However, no specific figures exist yet on how the Fernost region's creative economy currently affects local employment or economic output.
The project was first presented at a recent forum in Khabarovsk, where officials and industry experts gathered to discuss its potential impact.
The initiative will launch in 2026 and focus on turning creative ideas into sustainable businesses. If successful, it could increase employment and economic activity in the region. The government's long-term target remains a 6% GDP contribution from the creative sector by the end of the decade.
