Cultural Ecosystem Approaches as Key for New Development Paths: A Reflection on Management and Governance Implications

The purpose of this paper is to analyse some of the main trends of development of the cultural and creative sector from the perspective of cultural ecosystems. The authors argue that the concept of cultural ecosystems could be relevant in reinterpreting the cultural and creative sector in a moment of profound change, leading to a different approach to the management and governance of the cultural and creative field as well as the way we interpret its connections with and contribution to society and sustainable development. The study highlights four main trends which have recently emerged: the exploration of new online and digital possibilities, an increased attention to audience development and engagement, a closer connection with sustainability and sustainable development, and the growing interdependence between CCIs and other sectors, including tourism. These trends can be interpreted as a shift from the traditional cultural ecosystem approaches towards culture-led ecosystems where a stronger cultural leadership is required to navigate the new circumstances. The research not only impacts the scientific debate on cultural ecosystems but also triggers deeper reflection, for practitioners and policy makers, on how to implement structural changes to adapt to the emerging scenarios. The research could be further developed, implementing a quantitative approach and international and longitudinal dimensions to further investigate these topics and validating these preliminary research results.