HORIZON Innovation ActionsOpenHORIZON-CL2-2026-01-HERITAGE-03

AI integration in CCSI work practice: catalysing innovation and competitiveness

Horizon Europe

Per project€15M

1 phase

Deadline:2026-09-23

FundingLump Sum

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Strategic Analysis

This Horizon Europe Innovation Action (IA) targets the integration of ethical, inclusive, and scalable AI solutions within the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI). A winning proposal must demonstrate concrete, piloted AI applications that address identified operational gaps, foster cultural and linguistic diversity, enhance accessibility for vulnerable groups, and ultimately drive innovation and competitiveness across diverse CCSI value chains.

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Suggested TRL Range

TRL 4 → 8

Based on programme defaults

Scope Activities (2)

SC1

Develop scalable pilots for innovative AI-enabled products and services across diverse segments of sectoral value chains, in cooperation with CCSI. These pilots are expected to address identified gaps in CCSI operations and prioritise solutions that catalyse innovation in sectors whose business models are not yet taking full advantage of AI. Applicants should have flexibility to select their preferred application areas.

SC2

Design and pilot innovative, inclusive, ethically driven, transparent AI solutions to foster cultural and linguistic diversity, and enhance accessibility, with a focus on engaging individuals in vulnerable situations, particularly youth, older people, persons with disabilities and individuals with special needs. Applicants should have the flexibility to select their preferred application areas.

Expected Outcomes (4)

EO1

Insights, recommendations, strategies, guidelines, methods and tools supporting full AI integration in CCSI practices become available to CCSI, policymakers, and stakeholders.

EO2

Scenarios for co-created solutions tailored to CCSI needs, utilizing quality data and federated data sources, along with digital infrastructures, and inclusive cooperation processes, become available.

EO3

Generally made available AI-powered and ethically designed solutions, tools and services in several CCSI areas benefit creators, cultural professionals, and society, including persons with disabilities and other specific needs, fostering innovative creative expressions and improving creative business models while preserving and enhancing cultural diversity, and inclusion.

EO4

By mastering ethical and inclusive AI, CCSI are empowered drivers of culture, innovation, competitiveness and societal wellbeing.