Europe's authors say CCI study boosts copyright case

A study published by EY (formerly Ernst & Young), has found that Europe's cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have experienced sustained growth even through recession, leading authors' groups to argue that this boosts the case for ensuring copyright reflects the importance of creators.

“Creating Growth: measuring cultural and creative markets in the EU” analysed 11 sectors of CCIs throughout the European Union, finding that they represent €535.9bn in turnover and more than seven million jobs.

The study found that CCIs rely heavily on local workforces, making them a key component of local economic development, and attract young workers who are especially hard-hit by unemployment in the EU. It also found that during the 2008-2012 period of recession, employment in CCIs grew by 0.7% a year, while general EU employment decreased by 0.7% each year.

Christophe Depreter, president of the European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers (GESAC), which contributed to the study, commented: "Today's study shows that CCIs create five times more jobs than telecommunications and far more than conventional sectors like chemical, automotive and metal and steel industries. We are in the information age and creative works are the main source of its digital economy. Creators need to be at the centre of EU policy on authors' rights/copyright for stronger CCIs that would also feed a more diverse and future-proof digital economy."