Discoverability of Diverse European Cultural Content in the Digital Environment

The project is a joint effort of an international consortium consisting of Panteia (leader), KEA European Affairs, Erasmus University Rotterdam, DELab, imec-SMIt, and IDEA Consult. Its aim is to analyze the accessibility and representation of European cultural content in the digital environment, with a particular focus on books and music. The project is supported by a grant from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC).
Digitalization has led to an unprecedented increase in the production of creative content. One consequence of this trend is the growing role of digital intermediaries and online channels in content discovery. This raises questions about content discovery pathways, how different stakeholders (e.g., distributors, editorial teams, platforms) shape them, and the strategies they employ to increase the visibility of specific titles (e.g., through algorithmic recommendations or prioritization). Is the representation resulting from these mechanisms equitable in terms of artists' nationalities and the diversity of both creators and their works? Does platform availability constitute a barrier to the international exposure of European works? What differences exist between countries and services, and what are the current trends?
The project aims to provide comprehensive answers to these questions by developing a conceptual framework for analyzing content discovery pathways, analyzing key policies and initiatives around the world, conducting interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders, conducting surveys, and analyzing available data. The DELab team is conducting data-driven analysis of consumption patterns, algorithmic and editorial recommendations, lists, and other forms of content exposure, among other things.
The project will result in a comprehensive report for DG EAC, containing recommendations and guidance for future EU and national initiatives aimed at improving the visibility and promotion of European books and music.