Evaluation of cultural sphere development in the European Union countries as a factor of forming social capital and creative industries: experience for Ukraine

Taking into account the European integration course of Ukraine, it is necessary to evaluate the socio-economic conditions of cultural sphere development in the countries of the European Union, because it is an integral part of creative industries and improvement of social capital. The purpose of this research is to identify the factors of cultural sphere development in the EU countries due to its importance for the system of creative industries and the process of social capital accumulation, outlining the possibilities of European experience adaptation in this sphere for Ukraine. The scientific and methodology approaches were developed to the definition of cultural sphere development factors in the EU countries from the point of view of its influence on the formation of social capital and creative industries. A comparative analysis of socio-economic development of cultural sphere in 2011-2019 was realized, including evaluation of spatial differences in its functioning on the base of variation indicators calculating and tracking their dynamics. The specification of multiple regression models was done, in which the explained variables became employment in cultural sphere (Y1) and the value of its gross value added (Y2). It is found out that the place and significance of the cultural sphere for the national economy of each EU country differ, whereas the environment of its functioning is relatively stable, which contributes to the formation of proper conditions for the accumulation of social capital and the development of creative industries. It is substantiated that spatial differences in cultural sphere development have been intensified in the EU countries due to the different intensity of social capital and creative industries network formation. The multiple regression analysis revealed that a number of explanatory variables (demographic situation, tourism activity, unemployment rate, and education index) influence employment and gross value added of the cultural sphere. It is determined that for the cultural sphere of Ukraine, taking into account the European integration and experience of the EU countries, it is important to ensure the stability of cultural sphere, minimize the effects of the demographic crisis, promote tourism development, and regulate the employment policy, which, due to synergy, will influence the social capital and the positions of creative industries in the national economy.