The case studies took place in the Basque Country (Spain), Sibiu (Romania), Bremen (Germany), Alentejo (Portugal), Tuscany (Italy), and Västra Götaland (Sweden). The new report by CHARTER synthetises how cultural heritage is integrated into regional development policies and strategies and examines sector-integrated dynamics within these ecosystems.
The regional workshops, held from October 2021 until June 2023, form the basis of this report. These workshops brought together diverse stakeholders from each region’s heritage ecosystem, who engaged in presentations, panel discussions, surveys, focus groups and interactive work sessions to provide CHARTER with insights and data. Simultaneously, stakeholders were introduced to CHARTER models, tools, and suggestions, to test and share their feedback, thereby contributing the refinement of the project’s results. Additionally, field visits to observe best practices and dialogue with practitioners in their day-to-day professional working environments helped to further understand the unique features, projects, and assets of each hosting Region.
How do cultural heritage stakeholders interact?
The case studies highlight fragmented dynamics within the ecosystems. Despite stakeholders' willingness to collaborate, short-term project-based efforts and siloed approaches hinder systemic integration. Additionally, a lack of mutual understanding between education providers and heritage professionals makes the process more challenging. In this sense, CHARTER suggests strengthening medium- and long-term collaborations, enhancing vertical and horizontal policy coordination, and fostering trust among ecosystem actors. Engaging private sector employers and professionals from related sectors like tourism and construction is also crucial.
In this context, the report identifies regional authorities as key figures in fostering collaboration within heritage ecosystems. Their local knowledge is essential in mobilising stakeholders, though engaging self-employed entrepreneurs and private companies remains challenging. Regular networking opportunities and a sector-integrated approach are recommended to enhance ongoing dialogues and collaboration.
What do the regional cases tell us about education and training?
Despite fragmentation, regions demonstrate potential for innovative Education and Training solutions, fostering creativity and adaptation to their challenges. Increased networking and collaboration among stakeholders can enhance the scalability of successful initiatives. Establishing Regional and Interregional Skills Partnerships is suggested to maximise the impact of local efforts and improve knowledge circulation.
The report highlights a lack of comprehensive long-term cultural heritage strategies, emphasising the need for systemic approaches to assess and address skills shortages and mismatches. Recommendations include prioritising Continuous Professional Development (CDP), promoting micro-credentials, and strengthening skills governance through collaboration and data-driven policies.
In the specific case of crafts and crafts-related competencies, there is a significant risk of these skills disappearing across all of the studied regions, some of which are already lost. Urgent actions are needed at all governance levels to revitalise these skills, including recognising non-formal learning and ensuring traditional crafts' eligibility for EU funding.
About CHARTER
CHARTER, the European Cultural Heritage Skills Alliance, brings together and represents the whole range of the cultural heritage sector in Europe. The 47 project partners strive towards making apparent the value of cultural heritage and creating a resilient and responsive sector.
CHARTER works towards creating a lasting, comprehensive strategy that will guarantee Europe has the necessary cultural heritage skills to support sustainable societies and economies.
The Erasmus+ funded project maps the current and future needs of the sector to bridge the gap of skills shortages and mismatches between the educational and occupational fields.
