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Feasibility study for the establishment of a European Music Observatory

The study investigates the possible development of a data collection organisation, a European Music Observatory, as a resource to drive relevance and value for future policy actions in the music portfolio and across the sector. Gaps in data availability are identified, as well as the possible scope of a future observatory in terms of the types of data to be covered. On this basis, a ‘four-pillar structure’ is presented. The potential costs and possible organisational basis for a credible Observatory function are explored, and an analysis of different possible options for the set-up and operation of an Observatory is provided, taking into account the specific characteristics and requirements of the European music sector.

The lack of data in the music sector has been discussed for several years. Robust and meaningful comparative data collected at a regular basis are essential when it comes to assessing the need for interventions at the EU level to address gaps in the market and enhance the efficiencies and global competitiveness of the sector. The fragmented, scarce and poorly-harmonised nature of the data collection landscape in the field of music has led to calls from within the sector supporting the creation of a European Music Observatory that can act as a centralised music data and an intelligence hub at European level. This study investigates the possible development of a future full-scale establishment of a data collection organisation, a European Music Observatory, as a core strategic resource to drive relevance and value for future policy actions in the music portfolio and across the sector. Specifically, the study analyses different options for the set-up and operation of an Observatory, taking into account the specific characteristics and requirements of the European music sector. The study was funded by a Music Moves Europe Preparatory Action and conducted by Panteia and KEA.