CR.EU IN HERITAGE – European Cultural Heritage Innovation Project
CR.EU IN HERITAGE: Cross-sectorial and cross-border EU INnovation partnership for cultural HERITAGE value chain
CR.EU IN HERITAGE is a European project launched under the SMP-COSME 2024 Clusters programme, designed to foster cross-sector innovation within the Cultural Heritage Value Chain (CHVC). The project is coordinated by Venetian Cluster (Italy), with support from Basilicata Creativa and eight other European partners, forming a strong consortium of cluster organisations across nine EU countries.
We ask for your input!
Please help us shape the future by completing a short survey on technological challenges and innovation needs related to cultural heritage preservation, management, and valorisation in the EU.
All responses are confidential and will be used strictly for research and analysis within the project.
Let’s build a stronger, smarter future for Europe’s cultural heritage – together!
Project Overview
- Start Date: 01/10/2025
- End Date: 31/03/2028
- Duration: 30 months
- Total Budget: €2,697,778.16
- Programme: SMP-COSME-2024-CLUSTER
CR.EU IN HERITAGE promotes innovation and sustainability in the European cultural and creative industries, aiming to unlock their full potential for a resilient, competitive, and green economy. Cultural heritage is not only a symbol of European identity but also a powerful driver of economic growth, innovation, and transformation.
Objectives of CR.EU IN HERITAGE
The project’s main ambition is to strengthen the European Cultural Heritage Value Chain (CHVC) and improve strategic autonomy by:
- Identifying innovative European technologies that enhance CHVC while reducing dependence on non-EU suppliers.
- Financially supporting at least 20 cross-sectoral innovation projects involving SMEs across Europe.
- Empowering SMEs with business development skills and digital/green innovation practices through capacity building and knowledge sharing.
- Building a strong and long-lasting European cluster partnership in the field of cultural heritage and creative industries.
- Raising awareness of the transformative and economic potential of cultural heritage innovation.
A Multisectoral, Multistakeholder Approach
The Cultural Heritage Value Chain spans multiple sectors, and CR.EU in Heritage creates bridges among them. Alongside Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs), the project promotes collaboration with:
- Digital & Electronics
- Tourism
- Proximity and Social Economy
- Construction
- Agribusiness
- Aerospace
- Textiles
- Health
- Mobility & Transport
This inclusive vision allows for new forms of innovation and economic synergy across the European landscape.
Supporting SMEs Across Europe
CR.EU in Heritage will provide financial support to at least 40 SMEs working in or with the CHVC. These businesses will be selected through competitive calls for innovation proposals, and supported in implementing pilot projects, developing new products and services, and adopting digital and green technologies.
The project also aims to create a permanent European cooperation framework that will outlast the funding period, ensuring continued networking, policy dialogue, and innovation.
Project Partners
The project involves 10 full partners and several associated stakeholders from across the EU:
Full Partners:
- Venetian Cluster SRL (Italy – Coordinator)
- Basilicata Creativa (Italy)
- Innoskart Vallalkozasfejlesztesi Nonprofit Korl. (Hungary)
- Cluster TWIST ASBL (Belgium)
- Athina – Research Center for Innovation in ICT (Greece)
- Baltic Film & Creative Tech Cluster (Lithuania)
- OpenHub Association (Romania)
- France Clusters (France)
- Clúster Audiovisual de Catalunya (Spain)
- ITALCAM – Italian-German Chamber of Commerce (Germany)
Associated Partners:
- Regione del Veneto (IT)
- Digital Innovation Zone (RO)
- Municipality of Galati (RO)
- Nea Mitropolitiki Attiki (EL)
- Közép-Dunántúli Regional Innovation Agency (HU)
- Direzione Regionale Musei Veneto (IT)
- Région Île-de-France (FR)
Why CR.EU IN HERITAGE Matters
By bringing together a diverse network of clusters, SMEs, and public authorities, CR.EU IN HERITAGE aims to:
- Stimulate innovation at the intersection of culture, technology, and sustainability
- Boost strategic autonomy for Europe’s heritage industries
- Create a long-term ecosystem for collaborative cultural innovation
- Elevate Europe’s role as a global leader in creative heritage preservation and valorisation
