Cultural and creative industries and employment growth in urban and rural Catalonia

Identifier:  imarina:9449975

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9449975

Authors:  Maddah, LS; Arauzo-Carod, JM

Abstract:
Despite the acknowledgement of the role of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in European policy frameworks, there is limited research on their association with local employment growth outside metropolitan areas. Using municipal-level employment data from Catalonia, we explore this relationship, differentiating between urban/intermediate/rural settings and accounting for spatial dynamics likely to occur on a regional level. Our findings suggest that specialisation in CCIs is positively associated with employment growth in most sectors, but only for rural areas. We also highlight differences among production-oriented activities, producer and consumer services. Tailored economic development strategies are thus needed, considering specific industries and municipalities.