Understanding the European Content Industries is an international and multidisciplinary reader with a clear focus on multimedia economics and content. The reader covers two main fields of analysis: (a) the economic perspectives of the European content industry and its impact on the market development, including new business models; and (b) the cultural and educational contexts of multimedia. A number of articles are based on academic papers from researchers with various backgrounds in media & communication research, sociology, computer sciences, and education, whereas other contributions from industry advisers and practitioners provide 'market reports' on specific issues.