Data Collection & Analysis
Accurate, standardised data collection on European music will bring the music sector a clearer picture of itself and allow it to grow more efficiently.
Accurate data collection is sorely lacking in the global music sector, including at European level. Currently, quantitative and qualitative data collection differs greatly across the continent: few countries highlight the music sector specifically, and some do not even seek figures on culture at all. Where data does exist, it tends to focus on statistics as opposed to qualitative analysis. Generally speaking, there is a huge disparity in quality, terminology and standards, making it difficult to get a complete picture of the music sector across Europe. It is essential for the European music sector to be able to quantify and qualify the impact of music on culture, society and the economy, so that it can understand itself and enhance the role it plays in society and the economy.
Priorities
- Collect data to further improve the sector, for example by mapping the music market; analysing the impact and best practice of music export offices; providing clarity in rights ownership; researching the benefits of music-making in society; examining the impact of funding in the music sector; understanding and developing audiences; examining the benefits of municipal music programmes on society
- Provide access to this data through an open, European, centralised platform
- Raise awareness about existing networks in the field of information and documentation
Suggested Measures
- Increase, standardise and compare data collection at European level so as to guarantee consistency and reliability in the data collected
- Create an independent body such as a Music Observatory as a European base for data, the preservation of European musical heritage and research on the music sector and market
- Connect existing networks
