MEASURING THE CREATIVE CLASS: DO WE KNOW IT WHEN WE SEE IT?

摘要

Looking across the growing creative class literature, several methodologies for measurement have been employed: analysis of census data and other economic, business, and quality of life indicators; case studies and other descriptive efforts; and surveys of business leaders and other experts. These methods have provided little overall sense of relative validity. This research examines the nature of the creative class using a variety of measures: occupational and demographic profiles, talent and diversity, an expert survey of successful downtowns, creative class accoutrements, and case studies. Specific research questions include the following: Are rankings on different indicators correlated? Do the same municipalities come up high on all indicators of the creative class? How do the different measurement systems relate to overall economic health and growth? Which measurement or combination of measurement systems appears most reliable?