culturalentrepreneur.org

Here is one definition that comes from UNESCO

Definition of Cultural Industries

Cultural Industries are defined as those industries which produce tangible or intangible artistic and creative outputs, and which have a potential for wealth creation and income generation through the exploitation of cultural assets and production of knowledge-based goods and services (both traditional and contemporary).  What cultural industries have in common is that they all use creativity, cultural knowledge, and intellectual property to produce products and services with social and cultural meaning.

The cultural industries include: advertising; architecture; crafts; designer furniture; fashion clothing; film, video and other audiovisual production; graphic design; educational and leisure software; live and recorded music; performing arts and entertainment; television, radio and internet broadcasting; visual arts and antiques; and writing and publishing.  The term “cultural industries” is almost interchangeable with the concept of “creative industries.” Whereas the notion of “cultural industries” emphasizes those industries whose inspiration derives from heritage, traditional knowledge, and the artistic elements of creativity, the notion of “creative industries” places emphasis on the individual and his or her creativity, innovation, skill and talent in the exploitation of intellectual property.  The notion of ‘cultural industries’ is also closely linked to but, again, slightly different from a categorization based  strictly on the notion of “intellectual property,” which is closely linked to the concept of information-driven economies, and which includes such activities as scientific and technological innovation, software and database development, telecommunication services, and the production of hardware and electronic equipment.

The Comparative Advantage of Cooperation through Creative Cultures

Cultural industries are highly competitive, yet all countries have their own particular competence and experience based on each country’s history, culture, and environment. Furthermore, through collective action and cooperation, countries can realize significant regional comparative advantages to create global economic impacts. Collaboration in regional “creative clusters” is a strategic approach that will enable synergies between such countries and cities to promote the creative sector as a driver of development, able to penetrate even the most entrenched pockets of poverty. At the same time, a clustering strategy can serve to leverage the competitive edge of each distinct regional product in the global marketplace.