European funding for cultural heritage: €1.97 million for SMEs with CR.EU.IN.HERITAGE
Cultural heritage as an economic driver in Europe
On March 17, 2026, the event “Culture as an Economic Driver in the New AgoraEU Programme” took place at the European Parliament in Brussels, promoted by Venetian Cluster together with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Longarone Fiere Dolomiti.
The initiative highlighted an increasingly central message in European policies: cultural heritage is not only identity, but a true driver of economic development, innovation and competitiveness for businesses.
CR.EU.IN.HERITAGE: European funding to innovate cultural heritage
At the core of the meeting was the presentation of CR.EU.IN.HERITAGE, an Eurocluster coordinated by Venetian Cluster, introducing new funding opportunities for cultural and creative enterprises.
The Open Call: Cultural Heritage Innovation Grants
The project launched the Open Call Cultural Heritage Innovation Grants, a European call that provides:
- €1.97 million in non-repayable funding
- 20 SMEs selected at European level
- funding for the development of innovative products and services
- support for innovation in production processes
- application of European digital technologies to cultural heritage
The objective is to strengthen the capacity of companies to enhance, preserve and manage cultural heritage through innovative and sustainable solutions.
A European ecosystem for innovation and businesses
As highlighted by the Director of Venetian Cluster, Sergio Calò:
“Cultural heritage is not only a symbol of our identity, but a strategic economic driver for innovation and sustainable growth.”
CR.EU.IN.HERITAGE is part of a broader vision that connects businesses, territories, tourism, creativity and technology, creating new value chains at the European level.
The role of European institutions and international networks
The event, hosted by MEP Elena Donazzan with the contribution of the Vice-President of the European Parliament Antonella Sberna, involved representatives from European agencies EISMEA and EACEA, international partners and over 300 companies connected from across Europe.
Giorgio De Bin, Director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Belgium, was also present, confirming the strategic role of European networks in supporting businesses.
GELATOn the ROAD: culture and tourism as economic value
Alongside CR.EU.IN.HERITAGE, GELATOn the ROAD was also presented, a project now in its final phase, which has enhanced artisanal gelato as a form of European intangible cultural heritage.
The project developed a transnational itinerary and a quality and sustainability framework, demonstrating how tradition, tourism and innovation can generate tangible economic impact.
Why these funds are an opportunity for SMEs
European funding for cultural heritage represents one of the most concrete levers today to:
- innovate products and services
- access international markets
- integrate digital technologies
- strengthen SME competitiveness
In a European context increasingly oriented towards sustainability and innovation, the cultural sector is becoming a strategic field of investment.
Read the full press release
For all details about the event and the projects presented:
