Education for the Orange Economy: Rethinking Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Policy for Creative Industry Workforce Development

Orange Economy, creative industries, curriculum design, employability, higher education, experiential learning, creative economy policy, vocational training, India

The creative and cultural industries, collectively termed the Orange Economy, represent one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and innovation. Traditional education systems remain largely disconnected from the demands of creative industries, perpetuating skills mismatches and constraining graduates' employability. This article critically examines how higher education institutions, curriculum frameworks, and skill-development regimes must be redesigned to support the Orange Economy. Drawing on conceptual analysis and international evidence — particularly from emerging economies — this article proposes an integrated framework linking education, creativity, employability, and economic value creation. It argues for interdisciplinary curriculum redesign, innovative pedagogical approaches including experiential and project-based learning, and strengthened academia-industry-government collaboration. Strategic implications are offered for educators, institutions, and policymakers seeking to prepare learners for meaningful participation in the creative economy while advancing sustainable development and the future of work.