Unlocking innovative potential: examining the contributions of Creative Europe to the Italian cultural and audio-visual sectors

This paper examines the impacts of the Creative Europe framework programme on participating Italian organisations in the cultural and audio-visual sectors. Using primary data collected from 94 Italian organisations that received funds from the Culture and Media sub-programmes between 2014 and 2020, the study investigates the programme’s effects on innovation capacity, innovative practices, and outcomes regarding new cultural products and services. Results highlight the programmes’ positive outcomes in acquiring new skills, networking opportunities and innovation capacity and suggest that national policies complement the funding of Creative Europe. Identified policies include structuring financial or fiscal instruments, enhancing training and mentoring, building networks, and improving communication.