The European project CR.EU in Heritage was officially launched during its kick-off meeting held in Budapest on November 26–27, bringing together partners from nine European countries. The event marked the start of an ambitious collaboration focused on fostering innovation across the European Cultural Heritage Value Chain (CHVC).
Hosted by Innoskart Digital Cluster, the meeting gathered cluster organisations, cultural and creative industry actors, and innovation experts to align on the project’s strategic direction for the coming years.
A European initiative for innovation, collaboration, and strategic autonomy
CR.EU in Heritage aims to strengthen the cultural heritage sector through innovation, digital transformation, and cross-sector collaboration, supporting SMEs in developing solutions with tangible creative, economic, and societal impact. The project positions cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable and competitive growth at the European level.
Over the two working days, project partners:
- reviewed the project’s activities and overall objectives,
- aligned with the communication strategy and visual identity,
- selected the official project logo,
- and laid the foundations for the funding calls planned for 2026, targeting SMEs active in the cultural heritage value chain.
Funding and opportunities for SMEs
A core component of CR.EU in Heritage is the provision of Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), through open calls that will fund innovative, collaborative projects across Europe. These calls will support SMEs developing solutions at the intersection of cultural heritage, digital technologies, sustainability, and new business models.
Through this approach, the project seeks to:
- enhance SMEs’ innovation capacity,
- support green and digital skills development,
- strengthen cross-sector and cross-border cooperation.
OpenHub’s role as a communication partner in Romania
OpenHub is the communication partner of CR.EU in Heritage in Romania, contributing to the dissemination of project activities, the promotion of upcoming funding calls, and the engagement of local entrepreneurs, organisations, and stakeholders from the cultural and creative sectors with European-level opportunities.
“The launch in Budapest marks the beginning of an intensive phase of collaboration and co-creation. In the coming period, the project will bring forward funding calls, partnerships, and initiatives that can reshape how cultural heritage is valued and developed across Europe.”
What’s next
In the months ahead, CR.EU in Heritage will continue preparing the launch of its funding calls, strengthening the European cluster partnership, and supporting SMEs interested in innovation within the cultural heritage sector. Stay tuned for updates on funding opportunities, events, and ways to get involved in the project.
