Between May and July 2024, the Consortium of the Cultural Bees project completed and delivered the Forum Report – both related to Work Package 2 (WP2) of the project, co-financed by the European Union. The specific objectives of WP2 include conducting a comprehensive analysis of the current and future skills needed for professionals in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) sector. It aims to identify essential digital and transversal skills crucial for success in this industry. Engaging key stakeholders through ecosystem forums is another priority, fostering discussions and collaboration within the CCI community. The results of the mapping process and forums will be documented in a detailed report, which will help identify the priority skills for training target groups, such as 15-18-year-old students and young people aged 18-30. These findings will provide the foundation for developing the Cultural BEES training curriculum in WP3, ensuring alignment with CCI sector needs.
In this context, the two reports were essential in identifying the critical factors that positively and negatively influence the Creative and Cultural industries such as the lack of funding, the exclusion of cultural heritage in the state’s strategic priorities and in public education
Regarding the State-of-the-Art Report, the consortium partners made the required research and collected evidence and documents to identify the current and emerging skills useful in the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI). It was possible, from the research, to cluster the soft and lateral skills into: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Adaptability, Leadership, Organizational Skills, Innovation and Creativity, which is necessary, but it is considered as a managerial Creativity. Then, it was possible to create the following list of skills: Interpersonal Skills, Analytical Skills, Leadership and Management, Adaptability and Flexibility, Organizational Skills and Time Management, Creativity and Innovation, Independence and Autonomy, Positive Attitude and Motivation, Customer Service and Hospitality, Strategic Thinking and Ambition
The drafting of the report was crucial for the development of the project, as it lays the groundwork for the creation of training programs and curricula to be implemented in high schools and universities across Europe, aimed at educating students aged 15 to 18 and young adults aged 18 to 30 in entrepreneurship within the sector. It documents the mapping and analysis of current and future skills required for professionals in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) sector. It examines the state of the art, market dynamics, operational challenges, and growth opportunities for cultural and creative enterprises in the European context, with a focus on the five countries involved in the project. The analysis also explores public and private support policies, the impact of digital technologies, and evolving cultural consumption trends.
Additionally, it highlights the strategies companies adopt to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing environment, especially based on the emerging technologies and their potential impact on the sector: Emerging technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize the Cultural Heritage sector by creating immersive experiences that engage younger audiences. Leveraging these technologies can significantly enhance education, preservation, and engagement, ensuring that cultural heritage is accessible to future generations since the sector’s future heavily relies on integrating these digital tools to innovatively preserve and promote cultural heritage. Therefore, skills such as creativity, financial literacy, and networking, identified in the survey, are essential for this digital transformation. Mastery of these technologies is crucial for driving growth and sustainability and ensuring the survival of the Creative and Cultural Sector in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Emerging technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize the Cultural Heritage sector by creating immersive experiences that engage younger audiences. Leveraging these technologies can significantly enhance education, preservation, and engagement, ensuring that cultural heritage is accessible to future generations since the sector’s future heavily relies on integrating these digital tools to innovatively preserve and promote cultural heritage. Therefore, skills such as creativity, financial literacy, and networking, identified in the survey, are essential for this digital transformation. Mastery of these technologies is crucial for driving growth and sustainability and ensuring the survival of the Creative and Cultural Sector in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
For what concerns the NEF Report – National Ecosystem Forum Report – it was drafted starting from the National Ecosystem forums that were organized by the Partners in their own Country with different methodologies and agendas but with the same goal of creating a moment of sharing and co-creation of new possible solutions to foster the Sector. The forums, involving stakeholders from the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) sector, were held in five countries —Bulgaria, Cyprus, Slovenia, Poland, and Italy— to further the skills mapping process. It analyzes the outcomes of the National Ecosystem Forums, and a survey study shared with the participants of each Forum and with Stakeholders of the Sector, highlighting challenges and opportunities in the Cultural Heritage field. It offers insights and recommendations for shaping an educational curriculum to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
The analysis of challenges and opportunities within the Cultural Heritage was incredibly useful to find key recommendations for designing an educational curriculum that fostered innovation. Integrating local history and cultural diversity was considered crucial for connecting students with their heritage, while experiential learning through visits to heritage sites and practical workshops enhanced engagement. Emphasizing traditional crafts, entrepreneurial skills, and collaboration with cultural professionals aimed to prepare students for future careers. Additionally, incorporating digital tools, promoting sustainability, and ensuring diversity and inclusion were seen as vital for modernizing the curriculum. By focusing on these areas, educational institutions were better equipped to prepare students to become innovative leaders in the Cultural Heritage sector, bridging the gap between academic training and industry demands.
