METHODS FOR ASSESSING THE MULTIPLIER EFFECT OF THE CREATIVE IMPERATIVE IN THE NATIONAL ECONOMY

Abstract

The article presents the results of a comprehensive assessment of the multiplier effect generated by the creative imperative in Ukraine’s national economy. The concept of the creative imperative is substantiated as a systemic requirement for the continuous generation of innovative ideas and solutions that underpin economic development in post-industrial societies. The authors emphasize that creative industries – including information technology, design, and marketing–play a key role in stimulating GDP growth, employment creation, and export performance. Based on official statistical data for 2021 and national input – output tables, the study develops a methodological approach for calculating sectoral multipliers: GDP multiplier, employment multiplier, and export multiplier. An original synthetic indicator – the Creative Multiplier Index (CMI) – was introduced as an integrated assessment tool that combines the partial effects through weighted aggregation (w = 0.5, w = 0.3, w = 0.2). The research established that the highest integral multiplier was recorded in the IT sector (CMI = 1.66), confirming its strong export orientation, high employment intensity, and significant contribution to gross value added. Advertising and marketing (CMI = 1.04) and design (CMI = 0.91) sectors showed notable domestic employment potential but weaker export and GDP linkage. The integral index provides a nuanced view of the systemic interdependence of creative industries with other sectors of the national economy. The application of interindustry balance analysis (input–output methodology) allowed for the identification of direct and indirect multiplier effects and confirmed the alignment of national results with indicators observed in OECD member countries, where creative sector multipliers range from 1.8 to 2.4. The study developed a scientifically grounded algorithm for modelling the macroeconomic contribution of creative industries based on open national accounts data and proposed its potential application for scenario modelling and policy  valuation. It also revealed that the creative imperative functions not only as a cultural or social phenomenon, but as a measurable economic driver that should be integrated into strategic development frameworks. The proposed methodology offers a valuable analytical tool for government agencies, international donors, and researchers engaged in sustainable development and innovation-driven growth policy formulation.