Journal of Resource Management and Decision Engineering In Press 2026 11 01 Identifying Government Economic Policies to Support Innovation in Creative Industries Using the Delphi Model Identifying Government Economic Policies to Support Innovation in Creative Industries Using the Delphi Model 1 18 EN Journal Article 2025 12 10 <p>Creative industries are recognized as the driving engine of the knowledge-based economy and a significant source of employment and added value in the contemporary world. However, fully realizing the innovative potential of these industries requires the existence of a coordinated and supportive policy framework from the government. In Iran, despite the emphasis in high-level documents on the development of the creative economy, the lack of a practical and systematic roadmap in the area of supportive economic policies (particularly focusing on financial tools, market development, intellectual property rights, and ecosystem development) is evident as a major research and implementation gap. This void has led to scattered activities, inefficient returns on investments, and the incomplete flourishing of innovation potential in this sector. Therefore, the present study aims to identify, categorize, and prioritize effective government economic policies by utilizing the Delphi method and expert participation, seeking to provide a systematic model. This model can serve as a basis for formulating operational strategies and effective decision-making for policymakers, facilitate interaction between governmental institutions and creative actors, and ultimately accelerate economic development based on innovation and creativity in the country. Hence, this research employs the Delphi method to identify and validate effective government economic policies in supporting innovation in creative industries.</p> <p>With the participation of 10 experts and through several evaluation rounds, 55 initial components were refined into 29 final policy tools, categorized into six broad domains. The prioritized policy domains are: Financial and Investment Policies (such as tax incentives and venture capital), Market Development and Competitiveness (such as support for startups), Networking and Ecosystem Development (such as innovation centers), Legal and Institutional Frameworks for Intellectual Property, Development of Creative Human Capital, and Science and Technology Policies. The reliability of the results was confirmed using statistical indices of expert group consensus. The findings emphasize the multifaceted nature and the necessity of integrated and policy-based government support to strengthen innovation in the creative sector.</p> https://www.journalrmde.com/index.php/jrmde/article/download/271/433