Struggling for attention? The importance of creative industries in southern Germany

Over the last decade the topic of creative industries has gained prominence among academics and policymakers alike. Creative industries are credited with contributing to economic growth and regional development as well as with enhancing the innovative ability and competitiveness of regions. Our paper assesses the state and the potential of creative industries in the Lake Constance district in southern Germany. We find that there is a high number of firms from creative industries in the region. However, they only account for relatively little employment and make even less of a contribution to the region´s total turnover. In our view, the importance of creative industries for the Lake Constance district should thus not be overestimated.