Call for Papers
Dates: October 29 – 30, 2025
Venue: Euskalduna Palace, Bilbao
What is the Congress and What Are Its Objectives?
The Faculty of Communication Sciences at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona) invites you to participate in the 1st International Research Congress on Creative Industries (CIIIC), taking place within the framework of BIME, now in its 12th edition in Bilbao.
BIME has become one of the world’s leading events for music industry professionals, ranked among the Top 4 global music business events by media outlets such as Pollstar and IQ Magazine. For the first time, this international gathering of professionals from the Creative Industries will host a dedicated research congress for academics.
CIIIC’s first edition aims to generate knowledge and propose solutions to the key challenges facing the Creative Industries in Spanish-speaking markets, with music as a central driver of digital transformation, sustainability, and new cultural consumption models.
Call for papers
We welcome academic papers and applied research that address the challenges and opportunities of the music sector within Spanish-speaking creative markets. The congress seeks to deepen understanding of the socioeconomic, technological, and cultural dynamics shaping the music industry, with the goal of developing innovative, sustainable business models that converge with other markets and sectors.
The growing demand for research, education, and professionalization strategies within the Spanish-language music industry presents a critical challenge to the sector’s global competitiveness—particularly in adapting to technological change, climate shifts, and new patterns of cultural consumption.
Topics of interest:
We invite researchers, professionals, and academics to submit work focused on the music sector, using quantitative, qualitative, or experimental methodologies within artistic and creative frameworks. Topics may include (but are not limited to):
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The impact of music across the Creative Industries and other economic sectors
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Business models in music: streaming, copyright, monetization, entrepreneurship, startups, and new platforms
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Creation and the Star System: artistic trends and consumption patterns, creative processes, AI and technology
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Cultural policy and legislation: regulation, ethical questions, artist rights, and IP in the digital age
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Music, audiences, and society: inclusion, diversity, cultural phenomena, and the social impact of music
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Festivals and entertainment: trends, sustainability, new event formats, and music performance
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Education and training in the Creative Industries: new teaching methods and challenges in music and music management
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Music, communication, and cultural tastemakers (media, fashion, advertising, sports, entertainment, etc.)
Accepted contributions will help establish a leading space for research and development in the music industry, promoting knowledge transfer and fostering synergies between academia and industry.
As part of the CIIIC, a collaboration has been established with Revista de Comunicación (Q1 in Cultural Studies, SJR) to promote academic dissemination. Papers presented at the congress that align with the journal’s thematic focus will be eligible for submission to the February 2026 call. All articles will undergo double-blind peer review, and if accepted, will be published in the September 2026 issue.
Key Dates
- Deadline for abstract proposal: September 15, 2025
- Notification of acceptance: September 30, 2025
- Full paper submission: October 15, 2025
- Congress dates: October 29–30, 2025
Proposal submission
Proposals and full papers must be sent to: info@ciiic-bime.org
Detailed information regarding organizational logistics will be made available in the coming weeks.
Submission format
Please submit a proposal including the following information:
- Full name(s) of author(s)
- Title of the paper
- Abstract (maximum 300 words)
- 3–5 keywords
Participation Fees
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- Presenter: €169 (includes certificate of participation)
- Attendee: €129
- Student (with valid ID): €89
*All participants will receive a certificate of attendance. Those presenting a paper will also receive a certificate confirming their contribution as a speaker.
** Full Access to BIME PRO: All registered participants will enjoy full access on October 29–30 to the BIME PRO programme, including:
- Over 30 panels featuring leading figures in the international music and creative industries
- 60 concerts and showcases in public spaces and venues throughout Bilbao
- Presentations of innovation projects and startup competitions in the creative sector
- Access to the professional database of over 5,000 attendees
- Networking breakfasts and cocktail events
For more information, visit: https://bime.org/