Knowledge-based Economy vs. Creative Economy

Slovakia is not rich in mineral resources, and along with other European countries, it is currently struggling with the financial and economic crisis. One way to get out of the crisis is to stimulate economic growth, for example by supporting the so-called creative economy, which includes all areas of human activity based on original creativity and the value resulting from it. Creative industry, forming the core of the creative economy, consists of industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skills and talent and which have the potential for creating wealth and employment opportunities. Slovakia has great potential for the development of the creative economy, which derives from its cultural, social and geographical context. The aim of this paper is to support the creative industries through education reform. Creative industry in mutual synergy with a knowledge-based economy creates conditions for a strong and sustainable creative economy. It is necessary to remove barriers in science and research, to ensure appropriate protection of intellectual property and to lead towards creativity. Thus, we would like to introduce creative industries into practice through innovative university study programmes designed on the principle of interdisciplinarity and interconnectivity with practice.