SONIC – Strategic Opportunities for New Innovative Changes in Music Policies
SONIC strengthens the competitiveness of SMEs in the music industry through strategic approaches to progressive changes in music policy frameworks and improvements of the innovation environment.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the music industry have so far received insufficient policy support, which limits their competitiveness and growth compared to larger, innovation-driven players and regions outside of Europe. These obstacles arise from unclear responsibilities and inadequate support structures within public authorities.
To sustainably strengthen the global competitiveness of these companies, a supportive environment for innovation, that combines long-term yet flexible strategies, is needed. SONIC addresses this need by creating strategic opportunities for progressive improvement approaches in music policies.
The music industry is crucial within the socio-cultural and economic framework of the EU and closely linked to sectors like film, advertising, games, tourism, gastronomy, and further technologies. As the third-largest employer within the cultural and creative industries (CCI), contributing 4.2 % to the EU’s GDP, it promotes local economies and the cultural landscape.
Advancing digital distribution and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the industry and threatening its economic growth as well as Europe’s cultural diversity.
The core ambition of SONIC is to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs in the music industry through improved policy frameworks. This includes creating and sharing knowledge on key topics such as artificial intelligence as well as Skills & Labour. Seven project partners promote regionally tailored improvements through knowledge transfer and co-creation with local stakeholders. In doing so, the project enhances policy instruments and supports a more competitive, innovative, and resilient music industry across Europe.
The project aligns with the EU cohesion policy. It fosters collaboration between partners across various stages of the music ecosystem and advances regional development and innovation. Furthermore, it bridges gaps between diverse regions and sectors — including Serbia — thereby contributing to better integration into EU standards.
The partnership consists of Val de Loire (FR), Martinique (FR), Groningen (NE), Hamburg (DE), Tampere (FI), Athens (GR) and the candidate country Serbia through Belgrade.
The project is co-financed by Interreg Europe and was approved in the third call. REM Consult has been commissioned by the lead partner Hamburg Music, the network of the music industry in Hamburg, to support the partnership with advice for project and finance management. REM Consult supports the partnership in these areas since February 2025 – and has assisted in the project development before.
