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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must operationalise the convergence between Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) and the social and solidarity economy (SSE), moving beyond theoretical overlap to scalable, hybrid enterprise models. The core strategy should focus on addressing precarious creative labour through social economy safeguards (cooperatives, mutuals, collective bargaining) while demonstrating measurable regional resilience and social inclusion under the EU Social Economy Action Plan. To secure maximum scores, the consortium must integrate robust empirical socio-economic evaluation with actionable policy instruments and tested financing mechanisms tailored to lump-sum implementation.
TRL 2 → 6
Based on programme defaults
Analyse social economy models’ impact on CCSI sustainability, resilience, and growth, particularly during crises.
Examine how social economy principles address precarious employment, support alternative employment, and foster professional development, while contributing to creative entrepreneurial ecosystems for regional development that strengthen local economies.
Explore financing mechanisms, fiscal incentives and solutions to sector-specific challenges, to incentivize social reinvestment.
Investigate how social economy enterprises address socio-economic diversity, income inequality, inclusivity, and promote innovation including within CCSIs. [5]
Investigate how CCSI social enterprises drive innovation (including social innovation), social participation, and empower marginalized groups and groups in vulnerable situations, such as persons with disabilities.
Highlight social entrepreneurship’s role in catalysing new business models and value-driven practices addressing societal challenges
Assess CCSI social economy enterprises contribution to local development, social cohesion, and responsible consumption.
Analyse and compare policy frameworks supporting the convergence of creative economy and social economy models in the EU and beyond.
Evidence-based policy frameworks and guidelines promoting the convergence of creative and social economy models.
Case studies, indicators, and evaluation methods to measure the social and economic impact of CCSI in social economy frameworks. These tools are provided for policymakers and stakeholders, with areas for improvement identified.
Hybrid CCSI business models that incorporate social economy principles, balancing profitability and social responsibility, showcasing scalable examples across different regions and sectors.
Workforce development strategies addressing precarious employment in creative sectors, including alternative employment structures, skill-sharing, and professional development, and enhancing socio-economic diversity and mobility in creative industries, using gender-sensitive and intersectional approaches to address inequalities.
The full potential of cultural heritage, arts and cultural and creative industries and sectors as drivers of both sustainable innovation and a European sense of belonging is realised through a continuous engagement with society, citizens and economic sectors.
European Commission Action Plan for the social economy (COM(2021) 778 final)
highThe European Commission Action Plan for the social economy aims to enhance social innovation, support the development of social economy organisations, and unlock their full economic and societal potential across the EU. It establishes key priorities such as creating the right enabling framework, opening opportunities for social enterprises to start up and scale, and ensuring social economy recognition.
Evaluators expect proposals to directly engage with social economy business models, showing how creative and cultural sector initiatives can integrate social enterprise principles, governance models, and social impact measurement in line with the Action Plan.
UN General Assembly Resolution on Promoting the social and solidarity economy for sustainable development (A/RES/77/281)
mediumAdopted in April 2023, UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/77/281 formally acknowledges the social and solidarity economy as a crucial driver for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It encourages member states and multilateral agencies to mainstream social economy initiatives into national development and employment strategies.
Evaluators expect proposals to frame the interplay between cultural/creative sectors and the social economy within broader global sustainability targets, demonstrating how cooperative and solidarity-driven business models contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Council conclusions of 21 May 2014 on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe (2014/C 183/08)
mediumThese Council conclusions recognise cultural heritage as an indispensable, non-renewable resource that delivers multidimensional social, economic, cultural, and environmental benefits. They call for an integrated, participatory approach to heritage governance and policy-making across EU sectors.
Evaluators expect to see proposals treat cultural heritage and creative assets not merely as preservation items, but as active catalysts for community-led economic renewal, social cohesion, and innovative cross-sectoral business models.
Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (CETS 199)
mediumKnown as the Faro Convention (2005), this framework convention emphasizes the human rights and democratic participation aspects of cultural heritage, defining the right of individuals and communities to engage with and benefit from heritage. It highlights heritage communities as key actors in sustainable local development and democratic participation.
Evaluators expect methodologies that emphasize participatory governance, community empowerment, and social inclusion within cultural and creative activities, reflecting the Faro principle that heritage is a community-driven shared resource.
Specific requirements
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
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As described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
As described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
As described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
As described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
As described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5.
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf]].
In addition, as described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
As described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 5. Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators in Cluster 2 Heritage will rigorously examine whether the proposal directly responds to all four mandatory expected outcomes (@EO1–@EO4) and provides concrete, transferable solutions rather than purely descriptive research. They will prioritize:
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1Analyse social economy models’ impact on CCSI sustainability, resilience, and growth, particularly during crises. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Examine how social economy principles address precarious employment, support alternative employment, and foster professional development, while contributing to creative entrepreneurial ecosystems for regional development that strengthen local economies. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Explore financing mechanisms, fiscal incentives and solutions to sector-specific challenges, to incentivize social reinvestment. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4Investigate how social economy enterprises address socio-economic diversity, income inequality, inclusivity, and promote innovation including within CCSIs. [5] | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Investigate how CCSI social enterprises drive innovation (including social innovation), social participation, and empower marginalized groups and groups in vulnerable situations, such as persons with disabilities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Highlight social entrepreneurship’s role in catalysing new business models and value-driven practices addressing societal challenges | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Assess CCSI social economy enterprises contribution to local development, social cohesion, and responsible consumption. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8Analyse and compare policy frameworks supporting the convergence of creative economy and social economy models in the EU and beyond. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Evidence-based policy frameworks and guidelines promoting the convergence of creative and social economy models. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Case studies, indicators, and evaluation methods to measure the social and economic impact of CCSI in social economy frameworks. These tools are provided for policymakers and stakeholders, with areas for improvement identified. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Hybrid CCSI business models that incorporate social economy principles, balancing profitability and social responsibility, showcasing scalable examples across different regions and sectors. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Workforce development strategies addressing precarious employment in creative sectors, including alternative employment structures, skill-sharing, and professional development, and enhancing socio-economic diversity and mobility in creative industries, using gender-sensitive and intersectional approaches to address inequalities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches including SSHKey areas of focus are expected to be addressed through inter-, multi- and trans-disciplinary approaches, explicitly taking into account contributions by Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Cross-sectoral cooperation and stakeholder involvementProposals are expected to address key focus areas through cross-sectoral cooperation and active stakeholder involvement. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3FAIR data complianceParticular efforts should be made to ensure that the data produced in the context of actions under this Destination is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Leveraging EOSC, ESFRI infrastructures and European Data SpacesWhere appropriate, actions should leverage the data and services available through European Research Infrastructures federated under the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) or included in ESFRI, as well as data from relevant European Data Spaces. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Integration with the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage (ECCCH)Projects that produce data or digital tools of potential interest to cultural heritage institutions or researchers should, as appropriate, establish links to and/or consider integrating their results in the ECCCH. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Synergies with EIT KIC Culture & CreativityApplicants may consider contributions from the innovation ecosystems created and nurtured by the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities, specifically the KIC 'EIT Culture and Creativity'. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1The full potential of cultural heritage, arts and cultural and creative industries and sectors as drivers of both sustainable innovation and a European sense of belonging is realised through a continuous engagement with society, citizens and economic sectors. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1social economy action planThe European Commission Action Plan for the social economy aims to enhance social innovation, support the development of social economy organisations, and unlock their full economic and societal potential across the EU. It establishes key priorities such as creating the right enabling framework, opening opportunities for social enterprises to start up and scale, and ensuring social economy recognition. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
4 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
A proposal that fails to directly address all four mandatory expected outcomes will be severely penalized. Evaluators are explicitly instructed to verify that the consortium delivers concrete solutions across policy frameworks, impact indicators, hybrid business models, and workforce development strategies. You must structure your work packages to explicitly map to these four pillars rather than treating them as an optional menu.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Because this call operates under a lump-sum funding model, your payment milestone structure dictates your deliverable strategy. Evaluators will rigorously scrutinize the work package design for transparent, well-justified deliverable definitions within the strict 45-page Part B limit. Ensure your major lump-sum installments are tied to verifiable, concrete outputs like the validated policy toolkits or hybrid business models.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Addressing precarious creative employment cannot rely on generic labour market analysis. The proposal must demonstrate genuine methodological depth in deploying intersectional workforce strategies that actively tackle gender disparities and include marginalized groups, specifically persons with disabilities. Failing to integrate these targeted demographic solutions will directly compromise your score under the methodology and impact criteria.
Source: Scope
The EU Social Economy Action Plan is the foundational policy architecture for this call, not merely background context. Evaluators expect the consortium to move beyond theoretical overlaps and directly integrate core social enterprise principles—such as democratic governance and profit reinvestment—into the proposed CCSI business models. Your hybrid enterprise frameworks must explicitly operationalize the priorities of this Action Plan to secure maximum scores.
Source: Underlying policies
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. There is no set order: start wherever your project starts. The sections below mirror what the conversation produces, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
Creative workers suffer from atypical contracts, volatile income, and lack of social protection, exacerbated by conventional profit-driven market models that undervalue non-monetary societal impact.
CCSI entities struggle to access patient capital and social investment due to a mismatch between traditional CCSI commercial metrics and social economy reinvestment requirements.
Policymakers lack integrated impact evaluation methodologies and harmonized legal frameworks to systematically incentivize social economy convergence in regional creative ecosystems.
Creative professionals, freelancers, cultural SMEs, artist collectives, and cultural social enterprises experiencing precarious working conditions and seeking resilient, hybrid operational models.
Mutuals, worker cooperatives, ethical finance institutions, and social enterprise intermediary networks aiming to expand support structures and incubation within the cultural domain.
Public authorities, managing authorities of Cohesion policy funds, and municipal cultural planning bodies seeking evidence-based frameworks to harmonize industrial, cultural, and social policies.
Researchers and academic institutions in labour economics, cultural sociology, social innovation, and public management who benefit from shared datasets, taxonomies, and peer-reviewed outputs.
Persons with disabilities, youth, underrepresented minorities, and rural creative workers benefiting from more inclusive cultural employment pathways and community-driven creative services.
The long-term impacts your project should drive, and the policies they serve.
Reduction of precarious labour conditions and expanded access to collective social safety nets and fair compensation structures for cultural workers through social enterprise models.
Scale-up and adoption of sustainable hybrid business models combining commercial viability with social and cultural reinvestment.
Institutional adoption of harmonized indicators and policy instruments supporting CCSI convergence with the social economy at regional and national levels.