We support governments and development institutions in designing policies and strategies for emerging sectors of urban economies. Our work includes sector research, economic diagnostics and development frameworks for creative industries.
National Creative Economy Sector Assessment and Policy Framework — Uzbekistan
Where
Uzbekistan
Scale
Nationwide assessment of creative industries and their contribution to economic development
Client
Government of Uzbekistan and international partners
Delivered
Sector mapping, economic analysis and policy recommendations supporting development of the national creative economy ecosystem
Impact
Provided analytical foundation for national policy discussions and international positioning of Uzbekistan’s creative industries
evidence
Results presented during WCCE4 – World Conference on Creative Economy. POLIS is a laureate of the V Russian National Award in Creative Industries for international development of the creative economy
National Creative Economy Mapping — Russia
Where
Russia
Scale
National analytical research covering creative industries across multiple regions
Client
National Agency for Strategic Initiatives
Delivered
Large-scale dataset measuring employment, revenue and economic impact of creative industries
Impact
Created a methodological framework for assessing the economic contribution of creative sectors
evidence
Research referenced in UNCTAD Creative Economy Outlook 2022
Regional Creative Economy Growth Strategies
Where
Russia (multiple regions including Samara Region, Primorsky Krai and other)
Scale
Regional strategies supporting development of emerging economic sectors
Client
Regional governments and development institutions
Delivered
Economic diagnostics, sector prioritisation and strategic roadmaps for creative economy development
Impact
Enabled regions to design targeted support measures and investment programs for creative industries
evidence
Strategies integrated into regional economic development frameworks
Urban Regeneration & Creative Districts
We support cities and regions in transforming underused urban areas into vibrant economic districts. Our projects combine urban planning, cultural infrastructure and economic development strategies.
Creative Clusters for Industrial Area Regeneration
Where
Russia (multiple cities)
Scale
Redevelopment of former industrial territories
Client
Regional governments and cultural development organisations
Delivered
Feasibility studies, spatial concepts and development models for creative clusters
Impact
Supported creation of 26 creative clusters and development of more than 450,000 m² of creative infrastructure
evidence
Projects implemented across multiple Russian regions as part of economic diversification programs
Creative District Development Advisory and Workshops — Serbia
Where
Serbia
Scale
International expert workshops on redevelopment of urban districts
Client
Local development institutions and international partners
Delivered
Strategic sessions and advisory workshops on development of creative districts and cultural infrastructure
Impact
Strengthened collaboration between international experts and local stakeholders on urban regeneration
evidence
POLIS experts facilitated knowledge exchange workshops with urban development professionals
Creative Clusters as a Tool for Urban Regeneration — World Urban Forum
Where
Cairo, Egypt
Scale
Global urban development forum organised by UN-Habitat
Client
World Urban Forum (UN-Habitat)
Delivered
POLIS acted as partner and co-organiser of a session on multicultural creative clusters as a tool for social inclusion and partnership in the urban environment
Impact
Presented international practices linking creative industries with urban regeneration and social inclusion
evidence
Session delivered during World Urban Forum 12 with participation of global urban development experts
Community Engagement & Participatory Planning
POLIS develops participatory approaches helping cities involve citizens, businesses and local communities in urban development decisions.
Community-Led Redevelopment Strategy for Railway Park
Where
Svobodny, Russia
Scale
Urban park redevelopment project involving local communities and stakeholders
Client
City administration and regional development institutions
Delivered
Multi-stage engagement program including workshops, stakeholder interviews and participatory planning sessions
Impact
Created a community-driven development brief used as the basis for park redevelopment
evidence
The project won a national urban environment competition and secured $2.5M+ public funding for implementation
National Standard for Citizen Engagement in Urban Development
Where
Russia (30+ regions)
Scale
Nationwide framework for citizen participation in urban projects
Client
National agency for Strategic Initiatives with participation of regional governments
Delivered
Methodology and tools for structured stakeholder engagement throughout urban development processes
Impact
Improved dialogue between authorities, communities and developers and reduced risks of urban conflicts
evidence
Methodology formed the basis for the State Standard «GOST R 70390-2022» for sociocultural programming of urban spaces
Participatory Urban Planning and Stakeholder Engagement Programs
Where
Russia (multiple regions)
Scale
Urban development projects involving municipalities, communities and businesses
Client
Municipal governments and development institutions
Delivered
Participatory workshops supported by POLIS methodologies and training tools including the «Engage» strategic board game
Impact
Improved understanding of participatory planning and increased acceptance of urban development projects
evidence
Methodology used in professional training programs and urban planning workshops
Sustainable Mobility & Transport Integration
Transport accessibility is a key driver of urban development and economic activity. POLIS integrates mobility planning into territorial development strategies.