Cultural Heritage, Creativity and Economic Development

Exploring the relationship between cultural heritage and local economic development, this book introduces the original idea that one possible mediator between the two can be identified as creativity. Using a strong theoretical and empirical framework, Silvia Cerisola explores how cultural heritage, creativity and economic development are inextricably linked. This book is a clear econometric demonstration of how cultural heritage, through its inspirational role on different creative talents, generates an indirect positive effect on local economic development. These positive results justify important new policy recommendations in the field of cultural heritage. Interpreting both creativity and cultural heritage in a novel way, the author offers a new reading of the long lasting debate on the topic, examining different roles and impacts on the welfare of the local community. Regional science scholars will greatly appreciate the original conceptual framework and the empirical foundations of the book, as well as the thorough explanation of different approaches to the measurement of creativity. Policy makers and stakeholders will also benefit from the case studies highlighting the importance of cultural heritage.