The ratings are based on Richard Florida’s «three Ts» approach which includes Talent, Technology and Tolerance. The final values of the Index were produced using both objective statistical parameters and subjective opinions of a group of creative specialists who assessed the quality of economic and social policy, the comfort of urban environment, the development of infrastructure and services, and the level of tolerance.

The statistical part of the Index uses internationally accepted economic indicators that measure the development of modern technologies and online environment. These indicators are intended to show the degree to which regional creative communities are integrated into the global information environment.

The qualitative part of the Index uses the results of a questionnaire completed by a group of independent experts who were asked to assess the quality and competitiveness of city brands, entrepreneurial projects, and creative initiatives from the viewpoint of current national and global trends.