Measuring the Economic Contribution of Cultural Industries : A review and assessment of current methodological approaches. (2009 UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics Handbook; 1)

Abstract

Cultural industries are increasingly becoming important components of today's economy and important contributors to development. Their impact on gross domestic product and employment can improve a country's foreign trade position and competitiveness. In order to quantify this effect at a global level, cross-nationally comparable statistics are needed. However, current methodologies are not applicable worldwide, especially in developing countries. The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is seeking to develop new guidelines to measure the contribution of culture to economies that will be different from or complementary to current practices. To this end, this report provides an exhaustive literature review of current methodologies. It compares and contrasts the approaches, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Finally, initial suggestions for an improved methodology are provided. This report provides the background information required by governments interested in measuring the economic impact of culture in their countries. The technical material provided here will be used to develop a UIS methodological handbook on measuring this important field. 2695 The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the statistical office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and is the UN depository for internationally comparable statistics in the fields of education, science and technology, culture and communication. The main objective of UNESCO is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication in order to foster universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and the human rights and fundamental freedoms that are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations. To fulfil its mandate, UNESCO performs five principal functions: 1) prospective studies on education, science, culture and communication for tomorrow's world; 2) the advancement, transfer and sharing of knowledge through research, training and teaching activities; 3) standard-setting actions for the preparation and adoption of internal instruments and statutory recommendations; 4) expertise through technical co-operation to Member States for their development policies and projects; and 5) the exchange of specialized information.