Bucharest Business School: Only 2 out of 10 young Romanians choose creative industries. Of those who work in these fields, 3% become leaders

Final registration session for the Creative MBA of the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, through Bucharest Business School

● In Romania, less than 20% of young people who attend college choose specializations in the creative and cultural industries, according to public data analyzed by Bucharest Business School*. Although these industries contribute over 5% to GDP annually**, their potential remains insufficiently exploited.

● Of the professionals already active in the field, only 3% reach management or entrepreneurial positions, according to BBS data. This reality strongly limits the sector’s development opportunities, despite its significant contribution to the national economy.

● New enrollments, until September 14, 2025, for the Creative MBA developed by the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, through Bucharest Business School.

● Studies show that over 50% of MBA graduates make the transition to managerial roles with more responsibility, and according to MBA.com, salaries increase on average by 25% after completing such a program.

In Romania, less than 20% of young people who attend university choose specializations in the creative and cultural industries (from architecture, arts, design, music and cinema, to public relations or journalism), according to public data analyzed by Bucharest Business School*. Although these industries contribute over 5% to GDP annually**, their potential remains insufficiently exploited.

Of the professionals already active in the field, only 3% end up in management or entrepreneurial positions, according to BBS data. This reality strongly limits the development opportunities of the sector, despite its significant contribution to the national economy.

To meet this need, the Creative MBA, developed by the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, through Bucharest Business School, the only program in South-Eastern Europe dedicated exclusively to the creative and cultural industries (CCI), announces new registrations for this year’s edition.

Studies show that over 50% of MBA graduates transition into more responsible management roles, and according to MBA.com, salaries increase by an average of 25% after completing such a program.

The Creative MBA structure is built to maximize practical applicability, with 70% of the content based on case studies, applied projects and cross-sector collaborations. MBA students complete essential modules on business strategy, financial management, innovation, artificial intelligence in business, branding and leadership, while benefiting from access to an international network of mentors and professionals from the creative industries.

Courses are taught by professors from top universities such as Bocconi, Nova School of Business and Economics or Accademia Costume & Moda, within educational partnerships between our university and prestigious institutions in Europe. During the program, students travel to Athens and Rome to discover performing creative ecosystems and learn directly from international industry leaders. These educational experiences are co-funded by Erasmus+.

“Creative industries have a significant impact on the economy of 2025 and beyond, but talent, without solid management skills, cannot generate sustainable growth. Since the program began in 2023, over 50 CCI leaders have joined us, who, supported by a modular, skills-oriented curriculum, develop and consolidate viable and competitive businesses, including in international markets,” says Dalia Bologan, Creative MBA Program Director.

3.8% of the European Union’s workforce, or approximately 8.7 million people, work in the creative and cultural industries. This represents a total of 1.2 million companies***.

Even in the age of artificial intelligence, the need for leadership remains essential: in the EU, it is estimated that by 2035, an additional 1.7 million business managers will be needed, a huge opportunity for professionals in CCI industries**** as well.

The Creative MBA program of the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, through Bucharest Business School, is designed to respond to the unique challenges of creative leadership, in a sector that, by 2030, is estimated to contribute approximately 10% to global GDP.

Registration is open until September 14, on the official website https://bbs.ase.ro, and the total cost is 4,000 EUR, which is paid in semi-annual installments of 1000 Euro.