Culture is at the core of Europe's rich heritage and history and has an important role in enhancing the attractiveness of places and strengthening the unique identity of a specific location. Culture and creativity can be important drivers and enablers of innovation as well as an important source for entrepreneurship. Culture is a key driver for increasing tourism revenue, with cultural tourism being one of the largest and fastest growing tourism segments worldwide. Culture also has an important role to play in promoting social inclusion.
Cultural & Creative Industries include a diverse collection of business disciplines that have both a cultural and economic impact, in particular:
Culture and creativity are not limited to artistic value. Through the use of EU Structural and Investment Funds, their development potential can be harnessed for creating jobs and growth across Europe's regions and cities. For example:
Between 2007 and 2013 the EU invested more than EUR 6 billion in cultural and creative industries, (CCI) broken down as follows:
For the 2014-2020 programming period with its strong focus on strengthening competitiveness and growth and jobs national and regional authorities are advised to:
