Аннотация: The creative economy represents one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving sectors of the global economy in the twenty-first century. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of contemporary trends in the development of creative economy both internationally and within the Russian context. The research identifies key global trends including digitalization, technological convergence, social and environmental responsibility, new business models, and the cluster approach to territorial organization. Special attention is paid to the specific characteristics of creative economy development in Russia, including state regulation, adaptation of global trends under geopolitical constraints, unique challenges and growth opportunities, niche successes in IT and game development, and transformations in the labor market and education system. The article concludes that while Russia possesses significant human capital and competitive advantages in several creative sectors, sustainable development requires improvements in legislative frameworks, reduced geographic concentration, modernization of education, and integration into global creative networks despite existing political constraints.