INTEGRATED INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM OF FORMATION AND MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL CRAFT CLUSTER
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21333457Keywords:
national craft cluster, institutional mechanism, handicrafts, artisan entrepreneurship, creative economy, cultural heritage, cluster management, regional development, tourism integration.Abstract
This article examines the integrated institutional mechanism for the formation and management of a
national craft cluster. The study highlights the growing importance of traditional crafts in the development of the creative
economy, cultural heritage preservation, regional entrepreneurship, tourism integration, and inclusive employment. The
paper analyzes the role of artisans, local authorities, educational institutions, tourism organizations, financial institutions,
digital platforms, and export promotion agencies in creating a coordinated craft cluster system. Special attention is paid
to the experience of Uzbekistan, where the craft sector has significant potential due to rich historical traditions, regional
specialization, women’s and youth participation, and the institutional role of the “Hunarmand” Association. The findings
show that the sustainable development of national craft clusters requires coordinated governance, digitalization, quality
certification, financial support, training programs, tourism integration, and national branding. The article concludes that an
integrated institutional mechanism can transform fragmented craft production into a competitive, sustainable, and culturally
rooted economic sector.
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UNCTAD’s Creative Economy Outlook 2024 states that the creative economy contributes between 0.5%
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Uzbekistan’s tourism strategy interim report noted that tourism reached 4.7% of GDP in 2024 and leisure/
travel tourists rose from 8.3% in 2021 to 14.9% in 2024.
www.stat.uz
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