The aim of this study was to determine the role of creative industries in the diversification of resource-dependent economies based on a comparative analysis of Azerbaijan, Norway, South Korea and Sweden. The research was conducted through a comparative analysis of development models, the synthesis of international statistical data, and a comparison of indicators of resource dependence, innovative capacity, cultural exports, digital presence and institutional support for the creative sector. The results showed that creative industries did not replace the resource-based economy in the short term, but formed an additional channel for non-resource-based growth through employment, service exports, copyright, digital content, national branding and soft power. It was established that in Azerbaijan, the oil and gas sector accounted for over 40% of gross domestic product and over 90% of exports, whereas in Norway this sector accounted for around 22% of GDP, 48% of exports and 32% of government revenue. The comparison showed that Norway utilised resource revenues within a framework of developed institutions and an innovative system, whereas Azerbaijan required strengthening of statistical accounting, copyright, digital hubs and human capital. It was further found that South Korea and Sweden demonstrated models of systematic cultural exports, where digital platforms, state support, intellectual property and international promotion transformed cultural products into economic assets. The practical significance of the findings lies in the fact that economic policy bodies, ministries of culture, business support institutions and developers of diversification programmes in Azerbaijan can use the proposed model to assess the contribution of creative industries, establish digital hubs, improve copyright regulation and support the export of local cultural products

cultural exports; intangible assets; copyright; human capital; national branding