Local Storytelling for Value Creation in the Creative Economy: Concepts, Practices, and Cultural Transformation

Abstract

Local storytelling has become an important mechanism for preserving cultural heritage, strengthening community identity, and generating economic value in the era of the creative economy. This article explores the concepts, processes, and techniques of local storytelling as a strategic cultural practice that transforms local wisdom, traditions, memories, and experiences into meaningful cultural assets. The discussion highlights the relationship between storytelling and cultural capital, emphasizing how narratives contribute to tourism, creative industries, cultural products, and community-based development. Furthermore, the article examines methods for identifying and developing community stories, designing narrative structures, and constructing shared meanings that resonate with diverse audiences. Through various case studies from different cultural contexts, the article demonstrates how local storytelling empowers communities, promotes social cohesion, and supports sustainable cultural innovation. Finally, the article discusses the future of local storytelling in the digital age, focusing on digital media, participatory communication, and emerging opportunities within the global creative economy.