The documents within this Compendium of Research Papers: The International Forum on the Creative Economy were the result of a two-day learned forum that took place March 2008, in Gatineau, Quebec.

Arts and culture industries play a vital role in attracting people, business, and investment, and in distinguishing Canada as a dynamic and exciting place to live and work.

The Conference Board estimates that the economic footprint of Canada’s culture sector was $84.6 billion in 2007, or 7.4 per cent of Canada’s total real GDP, including direct, indirect, and induced contributions. Culture sector employment exceeded 1.1 million jobs in 2007.

This research was part of a multi-faceted project completed in collaboration with the Department of Canadian Heritage. The forum, brought together 200 scholars, researchers, professionals, industry leaders, and public officials from across Canada and around the world. This compendium report includes academic papers from leading researchers from around the world.