Abstract
The aim of this report is to provide an analysis that will contribute to the design of policies better suited to the realities of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) and strengthen their role as a driving force for sustainable and inclusive development in the Basque Country.
Over the last two decades, the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have become central to innovation policies, establishing themselves as a strategic sector in Europe and the Basque Country. The CCI's ability to generate employment, foster social cohesion, project identities, and open up new avenues for social and technological innovation places it at the heart of regional competitiveness.
Against this backdrop, the Basque Country has made considerable strides, from incorporating the CCI into the Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) to establishing dedicated structures such as the Basque District of Culture and Creativity (BDCC) and the KSIgune knowledge hub. These advances reflect an institutional commitment to strengthening a diverse and dynamic ecosystem capable of engaging with global trends while responding to local specificities.
Each section of this report fulfils a specific function, but the report's full meaning emerges from reading it as a whole. The historical analysis provides context for the present, the quantitative analysis identifies strengths and weaknesses, the mapping visualises the system's overall structure, and the stakeholders’ perceptions translate these realities into concrete experiences. Together, these elements offer a comprehensive framework for action, combining data, evidence, and experiences to inform more effective and sustainable policies for developing the CCI in the Basque Country.
