From crafts to international business: the SPROUTS Forum will demonstrate cultural code becoming new economy
2026-07-22 10:40
On 16-19 August, Kazan will host the fourth International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation”. For the first time, the programme will include the track dedicated to creative industries, cultural codes, and the experience economy. The session “Creative Economy as a Driver of Sustainable Development: Russian-Chinese Experience” will be held with the support of the Creative Industries Development Centre of the Republic of Tatarstan. The Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center (IEC) will serve as the venue for the discussions.
Today, creative industries are among the fastest-growing segments of the global economy. National identity, cultural heritage, design, fashion, handicrafts, and tourism are increasingly viewed not only as elements of culture but also as full-fledged drivers of economic growth, investment, and regional development.
Russia and China share a rich historical and cultural heritage, which increasingly serves as the foundation for the creation of new products, brands, and international projects. Therefore, issues of cultural identity and the creative economy are particularly relevant in Russian-Chinese cooperation.
At the SPROUTS Forum, session participants will discuss how traditions can develop the foundation of modern business models, how creative industries help promote regions internationally, and why cultural identity is becoming a crucial competitive advantage in the global economy. Ranko Tepavchevich, Director General of the Centre of Unique Craftsmanship, will moderate the session.
“The Centre of Unique Craftsmanship was created as a hub for creative industries, where traditional crafts are rejuvenated and the cultural economy operates at its full capacity. The session at the SPROUTS Forum is important for a variety of audiences: from craftsmen to entrepreneurs, from local communities to international delegations. We are glad that culture and business meet here on equal terms, in the same space, with a shared understanding of the value of tradition and openness to the world,” noted Ranko Tepavchevich.
The Forum will focus on exploring new formats for cooperation between Russian and Chinese entrepreneurs working in design, fashion, handicrafts, tourism, digital art, and cultural projects. Experts are confident that the creative economy has the potential to become a new direction for developing humanitarian and business ties between the two countries.
Media accreditation for the International Forum "SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation" is open until 7 August via the link.
Participant registration for the Forum is available via the link.
***** The International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” will be held in Kazan on 16-19 August.
The business programme includes such areas as interstate dialogue, economics, industry, education, business and entrepreneurship, business associations, finance and investment, culture, media, law, transport, agriculture, tourism, and construction.
The SPROUTS Business Forum has reinforced its standing as a leading international platform by receiving the EFEA Awards and by being named both a laureate and a finalist of the prestigious Russian Event Awards international prize.
The operator for the preparation and hosting the “SPROUTS” Forum is the “Directorate of International Programmes”, ANO.