THE MEANING AND ROLE OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

Creative industries represent one of the fastest growing sectors of the European economy. Hence our
interest in this research problem, which is closely related to digitalization and its challenges. The purpose of the
conducted research is to present the theoretical aspects of the creative industries in the EU, through a qualitative
analysis of the meaning and role of these industries. There are different definitions of the creative industries that
vary depending on the perspective of the person addressing the topic. The UNCTAD definition is the most widely
accepted because of its adaptability “Creative industries are cycles of creation, production and distribution of goods
and services that use creativity and intellectual capital as primary inputs; constitute a set of knowledge-based
activities, focused but not limited to the arts, but potentially generating income from trade and intellectual property
rights; encompassing tangible products and intangible intellectual or artistic services with creative content,
economic value and market objectives". The creative industries have in recent years steadily gained importance -
more than any other business sector - for the competitiveness of the European economy as a whole. They are already
a leading sector for economic growth and job creation, even if their full potential is far from being realized.