How can we turn creativity into money – cash, capital and profit? It is not just having a bright idea that counts – it's what one does with it. John Howkins, a leading expert on creative business, shows us what creativity really is, gives the hard data on its global turnover and outlines the key rules for success. Howkins sets out to explore how we can harness creativity and the industry it sustains to our common interests. The Creative Economy is not about information and the information society. It is about more basic matters, what we humans want and what we are good at. This book is a must-read for anyone who is involved in a business or career that involves creativity and artistic processes which require IP protection.