The Purple Economy as an Economic Strategy: Growth, Employment, and Exports in Portugal
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Abstract
This study examines the purple economy as a cultural pillar of sustainable development in Portugal, where fragmented governance, modest investment, and weak internationalization limit potential. It hypothesizes that integrating cultural value into economic policy enhances growth, employment, and competitiveness. Using a descriptive–analytical approach with secondary data, results show that cultural and creative sectors contribute 2.5% of GDP, employ over 200,000 workers, and generate €714 million in exports. Despite reliance on secondary sources, the study highlights the need for coordinated strategies and contributes originality by applying the purple economy framework to Portugal and outlining policy implications for sustainable growth.
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