Chapter 2: Cultural and Creative Industries in Croatia: Public Perceptions and Policy

This research investigates the determinants of public perception of contribution of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in Croatia disaggregated by subsectors and the perceived role of government policy on cultural and creative industries. Based on the survey data, it empirically explored how well citizens/consumers are familiar with cultural and creative industries, their usage of cultural and creative industry products and services, and their attitudes towards cultural and creative industries. Findings that many people use them without being aware they are consuming cultural and creative industries' outputs and that benefits of cultural and creative sectors are not recognized by the public in Croatia indicate that future sectoral policy should, among others, include the public campaigns about cultural and creative industries. A well-thought-out and systematic policy for the development of the cultural and creative industries in Croatia is lacking despite public opinion on the key role of the government in that matter. Low public awareness of cultural and creative industries might stand as one of the reasons why this sector in Croatia is lagging behind the European Union. Therefore, the findings are framed to facilitate policy decision-making to encourage cultural and creative industries in Croatia.