This is one of the main conclusions of the report ‘Getting cultural heritage to work for Europe’ which was handed over today to Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation.

Commissioner Moedas said: "For 2016-17, we want to substantially increase the investment in cultural heritage research and innovation from Horizon 2020, bringing it to more than €100 million. This report will be the basis for a renewed and dynamic framework for EU research and innovation on cultural heritage.”

The report was drafted by a group of ten renowned experts chaired by Philippe Busquin, former Commissioner for Research, Science and Technology and former MEP, with Professor Simon Thurley, CEO of English Heritage, acting as rapporteur.

Horizon 2020 will support the development of multinational, transdisciplinary demonstration projects that explore and showcase the potential of cultural heritage for urban and rural regeneration in Europe. They will involve a large array of stakeholders, including local and regional authorities, businesses, civil society as well as cultural heritage professionals and researchers, and serve as large-scale 'heritage labs' that can pave the way for new markets and jobs. In addition, the Commission will explore inducement prizes in cultural heritage to reward innovative ideas and solutions for new use and reuse of cultural heritage.

Media contact:

EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation