Cultural Industries and National Economic Competitiveness: A Global Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69760/portuni.010326Keywords:
cultural industries, creative economy, national competitiveness, innovation, employment, exports, soft power, economic developmentAbstract
The cultural and creative industries have emerged as significant drivers of economic growth and national competitiveness in the 21st century. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the role that cultural industries – including sectors such as film, music, publishing, design, digital arts, and more – play in enhancing a nation’s economic performance and global standing. Drawing on a wide range of scholarly and institutional sources, the study examines how cultural industries contribute to innovation and knowledge creation, generate employment (especially for youth and women), expand exports and diversify trade, and bolster a country’s soft power and international influence. The Introduction frames the importance of cultural industries in the global economy, while the Literature Review synthesizes key findings from prior research and policy reports. A Theoretical Framework is outlined to connect concepts of competitiveness, innovation systems, and soft power to cultural industry development. The Methodology section explains the qualitative research approach used. In the Analysis, we detail the multi-faceted contributions of cultural industries: as catalysts of innovation and creativity, as creators of jobs and skills, as sources of export revenues and trade competitiveness, and as instruments of soft power that enhance national brand value. The Discussion reflects on the implications of these findings, highlighting the synergistic effects of cultural industries on economic resilience, innovation ecosystems, and global influence, as well as policy considerations for nurturing these sectors. The article concludes that integrating cultural industries into national economic strategies yields not only direct economic benefits in terms of GDP and trade but also strategic advantages in innovation capacity and geopolitical influence. These insights underscore the need for policymakers to view the cultural sector not merely as entertainment or heritage, but as a pivotal component of sustainable economic development and global competitiveness.
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