Abstract

This paper analyzes the spatial concentration of firms in the Italian music industry supply chain, by two different samples and an ad hoc methodology. Results show a relative strong spatial concentration of firms and revenues for every kind of firm considered in Lombardy, Latium and Emilia Romagna Regions of Italy. Milan can be considered the «Italian capital of music» and, according to revenues, the capital of music publishing, radio broadcasting, recording studios and recording industry. The formal recognition of this creative industry by public institutions could be in the form of a «productive district», to which tax breaks and facilitations are granted. In a more general perspective, three creative clusters are identified. The paper analyzes the methodologies used to recognize creative clusters and discuss the opportunity to give more value to cultural and creative industries through public policies.