The online distribution of music offers great opportunities for the European music industry and technology providers alike. However, there is still uncertainty on standards and no clear vision as to how a global infrastructure for distribution, rights management, royalty collection and payment will evolve. Market fragmentation means that the real needs of the 10,000 SMEs making up the European music industry are not understood by technology providers. It will gather all important stakeholders in this economy. It will pave the way for open, accessible platforms by which the music of Europe can be distributed to the markets of the world.
Objectives Elaborate a sectoral profile of the European music industry.
Clarify technology solutions for security, rights management, royalty collection, payment, online marketing, customer care, etc. Highlight business models suitable for adoption in particular by SMEs. Analyse the legal environment of online music in Europe. Carry out a comparative analysis of music distribution contracts in Europe. Study the interaction between these contracts and new technologies for on-line music distribution.