Culture as a driver of sustainable development in Europe

Abstract

Research purpose. The link between culture and sustainable development has been frequently debated by European authorities and academicians. Culture is treated as a tool for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and considered as the fourth pillar of sustainable development. The research goal is to investigate the relationship between culture-related indices and a country's sustainable development based on European sample data. Design / Methodology / Approach. To complete research, culture-related statistics indicators from Eurostat were collected and regressed against the SDG index, based on data covered 2016-2019. Findings. The relationship between culture-related indices and SDG score was specified using European statistical data. The most significant impact on sustainable development measure was revealed regarding the factors “cultural employment” and “government expenditure on culture”. Originality / Value / Practical implications. The current research differs from most studies that investigated cultural issues using the mathematical apparatus versus the commonly used practice of interviewing consumers or representatives of the cultural sector. The results of this research could be used by municipalities, the cultural private sector, and NGOs by arguing for funding and applying for EU grants. On the other hand, the results and approach of this research could be transposed to other regions to understand the common cultural impact on sustainable development in the non-EU part of the world.