The importance of the cultural and creative industries is often underestimated. A new report by the German federal government sheds light on the sector.
More than one million people work in the German creative industry, 864,000 of whom are subject to social security contributions. The more than 253,000 companies generated revenue of €154.4 billion in 2016. Compared to the previous year, the number of jobs increased by 3.5 percent and revenue by 1.5 percent.
Creative industries outperform chemical industry and financial services providers
With a gross value added of 98.8 billion euros, the sector was almost on par with mechanical engineering (101.6 billion euros) in 2016 and above the value added of the chemical industry, the energy sector and financial services providers.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Brigitte Zypries says of the report’s findings:
“This year’s monitoring report confirms that the cultural and creative industries can keep pace with other major economic sectors in terms of revenue and added value, and in some cases even surpass them.”
In addition, the creative industry is a source of inspiration for society, says Zypries:
"Their innovations often contribute to the growth of other sectors. I'm particularly pleased that cultural and creative enterprises once again created many new jobs subject to social security contributions last year. This shows that it's worthwhile to continue advancing the cultural and creative industries initiative."
The Minister of State for Culture and Media Monika Grütters says that the cultural and creative industries make an indispensable contribution to Germany’s innovative strength and competitiveness.
"At the same time, culture and creative work also play a central role in social cohesion. They create identity and deserve both support and protection. Further strengthening the cultural impulses for the economy and thus supporting the positive development of the cultural and creative industries as a whole remains an important concern for us."
A short version of the report is available for download here.
