Welcome to the
Music Economy Development Initiative
MEDI builds the data, policy frameworks, and investment case to ensure governments, development institutions, and investors treat music as what it is: infrastructure for jobs, trade, and growth.
We are the first global research and data platform built to prove it.
The Music Economy Development Initiative is a partnership of some of the world's leaders who see music for what it is: an untapped engine of global economic growth.
The World Bank has stated that we need 1.2 billion jobs to meet demographic demand, but only 420 million are set to be created. Music is a universally accessible tool that can play an effective role in making this happen.
MEDI provides the data, evidence and research to understand music as an economic sector — and to act on it. We identify where value is being lost, quantify what recovering it is worth, and work with governments, development finance institutions, and the private sector to direct investment toward music infrastructure: copyright systems, collective management, market data, and skills
The World Bank has stated that we need 1.2 billion jobs to meet demographic demand, but only 420 million are set to be created. Music is a universally accessible tool that can play an effective role in making this happen.
MEDI provides the data, evidence and research to understand music as an economic sector — and to act on it. We identify where value is being lost, quantify what recovering it is worth, and work with governments, development finance institutions, and the private sector to direct investment toward music infrastructure: copyright systems, collective management, market data, and skills.
Welcome. We invite you to explore the data, read our research, and join us in building the case for music as a development asset.
Why we need train tracks before we can run trains
Read our inaugural report, written in collaboration with music economist Will Page. It explores the untapped economic potential of music globally, delves into existing trends, challenges, and opportunities, and outlines what is needed to unlock and accelerate sustainable growth across the sector.
Disclaimer
The Music Economy Development Initiative is research led by the Center for Music Ecosystems, a 501c3 nonprofit organization in the United States, and an MTU non‑profit research organization based in Estonia, in partnership with Global Citizen, a 501c3 nonprofit organization in the United States.
MEDI is independent and not an expression of any of its additional partner organizations. All data is not meant to adhere to or replicate World Bank standard data collection protocols, nor retain any legal right. It is intended for research purposes only. All data provided is publicly available or aggregated and does not express any thoughts, opinions, or positions of any partners or third‑party entity.
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.