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Mapping the Creative Economy in Puerto Rico
Javier J. Hernández [email protected]
The Creative Economy has become a topic of great interest in Puerto Rico. Findings
for all the sectors obtained
through the 2007 Economic Census and the 2011 "Country Business Patterns" demonstrate the need to initiate a broader research agenda, using a multidisciplinary approach, to help understand the dynamics and contributions of the creative sector in Puerto Rico. This underscores a need to develop research that provides tools to strengthen and support public sector policy development and economic growth in the creative industries in Puerto Rico. Its potential contribution to economic development should promote public policies oriented toward this important sector. The ?ndings were based on the UNCTAD classi?cations in its Creative Economy Report (2010) and an analysis by sub-sectors of the creative industries. Puerto Rico has about 1, 889 businesses in the creative industries that employ over 14, 715 people. The annual payroll for the creative industries is $436 million, for an average salary of $26, 632. The estimated economic contribution of creative industries for 2011 alone was approximately $1.74 billion. This represents 4.29% of total businesses, 2.65% of the total annual payroll, 1.37% of total employment and 2.67% of the GDP for 2011. From the 1, 889 businesses in the creative industries, 36% (726) were in the Film and Media sector, 24% (446) belonged to the Visual Arts and Crafts, 15% (293) in Design, 12% (222) in the Performing Arts, 10% (188) in Literary and Publishing, and 1% (14) in Heritage and Museums. The Film and Media sector generates 47% of the jobs with 6,889, followed by 2,729 in Literary and Publishing, which represents a 19%. The Visual and Performing Arts sectors represent 24% and 12% of the total creative industries in Puerto Rico. However, in terms of employment, they only generate 14% and 6%, of total employment respectively. The trend for total revenue is the same, with the Film and Media sector accounting for 48% of the total, or $832.8 million. The Literary and Publishing sector earns total revenue of $336 million and the Visual Arts and Crafts, $234 million. Some $214 million is generated for Design and the Performing Arts and Heritage contributes another $130 million between the two. The main creative industries sub-sectors in terms of employment are Electronic Equipment, Press, Jewelries and Advertising and Television. Following the sub-sectors classi?cation between 2007 and 2011, there was a reduction of approximately 11% in the economic activity of the creative industries. The reduction in total businesses overall was 1%, although the sector of Literary and Publishing had a total reduction of 29%, while there was 10% in Design. In terms of unemployment, the Literary and Publishing sector su?ered the highest reduction with 33% and 30% in annual payroll. The Performing Arts sector had a reduction of 29% in the total jobs. The only sector that saw an increase in employment was the Film and Media with 4%. Businesses also increased by 13% for this sector
continued on page 16
Volume 5 July - September 2013
www.creativeindustriesexchange.com
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