Economic Contribution & Mapping

In recent years there has been an increase in the appreciation of the economic contribution of the creative industries. Studies carried out in different countries not only confirm this attribute but also show that the contribution is on the upward trend. In order to facilitate the capturing of key economic variables which were then used to statistically demonstrate the economic contribution of the creative industries, "mapping" exercises were embarked on by a number of countries. Such mapping exercises provided indicators in areas relevant to policy makers in their formulation of economic and cultural policies. Of significance in these exercises are the determination of economic variables/indicators, such as revenue created, employment rates, exports, growth areas and recommendations as to what policy measures are needed to sustain and/or stimulate growth. Studies also demonstrate the linkages and interdependence between economic sectors. The multiplier effects generated by the creative industries confirm their status as a major contributor to economic growth. Further research will be instrumental in identifying the social, cultural and other effects produced by the creative sector on society in general.

WIPO Guide on Surveying the Economic Contribution of the Copyright-Based Industries

The WIPO Guide on Surveying the Economic Contribution of the Copyright-based Industries [PDF] [PDF en español] was published in 2003 as a direct response to the interest for the economic contribution of copyright-based industries expressed by Member States . The publication outlines a methodology for measuring the contribution of copyright activities in economic terms hence providing the basis for undertaking a comparative analysis between countries on the size of their creative sector.

The purpose of the Guide is threefold: (i) to summarize the existing experience in surveying the creative industries, which operate on the basis of copyright and related rights protection; (ii) to develop a practical instrument in the form of guidelines, recommendations and survey methods to be considered and applied when undertaking surveys on the economic contribution of a nation's creative industries; and (iii) to establish a basis for comparison of future surveys built on reliable data and common methodologies.

Since its publication, a number of countries have successfully used the Guide and results demonstrate the substantive economic contribution of the creative industries in terms of their share in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generation of employment and trade. The surveys show that the creative industries represent a dynamic sector which, on average, grows faster than the rest of the economy. The practical experience from the application of the Guide is used for updating its provisions and adjusting them to country situations and specifics.

The WIPO publication National Studies on Assessing the Economic Contribution of the Copyright-Based Industries [available for purchase] presents the results of the first five national studies on assessing the economic contribution of copyright-based industries. The studies were carried out in Canada, Hungary, Latvia, Singapore and the United States, on the basis of the methodology contained in the WIPO Guide. The publication is the first in the Creative Industries series and will be produced on a regular basis, presenting country reports. The studies contained in the publication have been prepared by local researchers, in most cases assisted by WIPO experts.

A second volume of National Studies (available for purchase) was issued in the summer of 2008 and included surveys conducted in the Philippines, Mexico, Jamaica, Bulgaria and Lebanon.

A third volume of National Studies (available for purchase) was published in January 2010 and included surveys in Colombia, Romania , Croatia, Russia and Ukraine.

A fourth volume of National Studies (available for purchase) was published in March 2011 and included surveys in Australia, Kenya, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Peru [PDF].

A fifth volume of National Studies (available for purchase) was published in November 2011 and included surveys in China, Finland, Pakistan, Panama, and Slovenia [PDF].

An analysis of WIPO Studies on the Economic Contribution of the Copyright Industries was published in January 2012 [PDF] and the Table on Results of the Studies [PDF]