D7.1 Policy brief 1 : Driving the Sustainable Transition of VOD - Lessons from the mapping stage

This policy brief, entitled D7.1 Policy Brief 1, synthesises the comprehensive mapping phase of the StreamSCAPES project. It consolidates evidence from the initial research stages (WPs 1-2), industry and policy mapping (D2.1, D2.2, D2.3), and stakeholder workshops. The document provides a coherent overview of the intersection between Video-on-Demand (VOD) platforms and the Sustainable Climate Transition (SCT) within Europe’s Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs), offering preliminary recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders.

The analysis draws on a comparative cross-national review of policy frameworks across selected EU Member States and associated countries. It evaluates the extent to which sustainability principles are embedded in current regulatory, strategic, and funding instruments affecting the VOD ecosystem. Furthermore, the brief summarises evolving industry practices and sustainability strategies, highlighting the momentum generated by voluntary initiatives while identifying persistent gaps in addressing the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of the transition in an integrated manner.

By identifying both opportunities and existing "blind spots" at the intersection of policy and industry practice, this brief establishes an evidence-based foundation for future interventions. It incorporates insights from diverse stakeholders across the audiovisual value chain to ensure a grounded understanding of the sector's priorities. Ultimately, the document aims to advance a scalable, just, and actionable transition for VOD platforms in Europe, ensuring that sustainability objectives are translated into effective and coherent policy frameworks.