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Strategic Analysis
This is an open, bottom-up topic under Cluster 2 requiring high-risk, groundbreaking research that moves past purely descriptive cultural studies toward actionable, transformative mechanisms. To stand out, proposals must bridge Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) and heritage with either cutting-edge sustainable cross-sector innovation or measurable cultivation of a shared European sense of belonging. The winning strategy requires a bulletproof blind Stage 1 concept demonstrating distinct novelty over prior EU initiatives, supported by concrete validation frameworks in real-world creative/heritage ecosystems.
TRL 2 → 6
Based on programme defaults
Design the best possible and groundbreaking research and innovation to achieve that the full potential of cultural heritage, arts and/or cultural and creative industries as drivers of sustainable innovation and/or a European sense of belonging is realised.
Choose the focus that best addresses the expected outcome, which can be limited to certain areas or issues or be broader, ensuring an impact-driven focus that moves beyond descriptive studies towards transformative, actionable knowledge.
Build on previous research, networks or platforms as appropriate for the focus chosen, without duplicating activities already funded, and explore new areas.
New groundbreaking findings and methods are developed, verified and put into practice that significantly contribute to realising the full potential of cultural heritage, arts or/and cultural and creative industries (CCIs) [1] as drivers of sustainable innovation and/or a European sense of belonging.
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 Parliament Resolution ‘A coherent EU policy for cultural and creative industries’
highThis European Parliament Resolution calls for a unified and strategic EU-level approach to support Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). It emphasizes the economic and social contribution of CCIs, access to finance, intellectual property rights, and the integration of cultural sectors into broader EU industrial and innovation strategies.
Evaluators expect proposals to articulate how research outcomes support the economic viability, cross-sectoral spillover potential, and competitiveness of CCIs. The proposal should demonstrate concrete pathways for integrating creative actors into innovation ecosystems and policy recommendations aligned with parliamentary priorities.
Council conclusions of 21 May 2014 on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe (2014/C 183/08)
highThese Council conclusions recognize cultural heritage as an irreplaceable strategic resource for Europe's sustainable growth, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. They advocate for mainstreaming heritage into national and European policies, promoting participatory governance, and enhancing evidence-based decision-making.
Evaluators look for proposals demonstrating holistic approaches where cultural heritage is treated as an active driver of social and economic regeneration rather than a passive cost. Successful proposals should integrate multi-stakeholder governance models and measurable indicators of heritage's socio-economic and sustainable impact.
Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (CETS 199)
highKnown as the Faro Convention (CETS No. 199), this framework emphasizes that heritage rights are inherent to the right to participate in cultural life. It frames cultural heritage not only as physical assets but as a communal resource vital for human development, quality of life, and democratic participation.
Evaluators expect projects to incorporate participatory, citizen-centered, and community-led approaches to heritage valorization and governance. Proposals should show how heritage engagement enhances democratic participation, social cohesion, and the empowerment of diverse heritage communities.
Culture Compass for Europe
mediumThe Culture Compass for Europe is a strategic framework developed by the European Commission to guide EU action in the cultural sector. It aims to foster a more coherent and impactful approach to culture, addressing key challenges and opportunities. It typically outlines priorities such as promoting cultural diversity, strengthening the cultural and creative sectors, fostering cultural participation, and leveraging culture for external relations.
Proposals should demonstrate how they align with the strategic directions and priorities outlined in the Culture Compass, particularly regarding the role of culture in societal development, innovation, and European identity. Evaluators will look for projects that contribute to the overarching goals of strengthening the cultural and creative sectors, enhancing cultural participation, and promoting European values through culture.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
mediumThe UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a 'blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.' Adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, they address global challenges including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.
Proposals should clearly articulate which specific SDGs their project contributes to and how. This involves demonstrating a tangible impact on sustainable development, whether through environmental, social, or economic dimensions, and aligning with the EU's commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Specific requirements
Page limit Stage 1
Part B Section 1+2+3 combined is typically capped at 10 pages at Stage 1. Pages exceeding the limit are invisible to evaluators.
Consortium continuity
The consortium declared at Stage 1 is expected to submit Stage 2. Substantial changes must be justified.
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.
Civil applications only
Exclusive military or dual-use applications are excluded.
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Applicants submitting a proposal for a blind evaluation (see General Annex F) must not disclose their organisation names, acronyms, logos nor names of personnel in the proposal abstract and Part B of their first-stage application (see General Annex E).
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.
The first-stage proposals of this topic will be evaluated blindly.
In addition, 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.
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]].
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.
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 Stage 1 BLIND)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA and CSA Stage 1 BLIND)
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 operate under strict Stage 1 blind evaluation rules (any disclosure of participant names, acronyms, or logos is strictly eliminating). In a concise 10-page limit, they will immediately filter out business-as-usual cultural studies, looking instead for:
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 | |||
| SC1Design the best possible and groundbreaking research and innovation to achieve that the full potential of cultural heritage, arts and/or cultural and creative industries as drivers of sustainable innovation and/or a European sense of belonging is realised. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Choose the focus that best addresses the expected outcome, which can be limited to certain areas or issues or be broader, ensuring an impact-driven focus that moves beyond descriptive studies towards transformative, actionable knowledge. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Build on previous research, networks or platforms as appropriate for the focus chosen, without duplicating activities already funded, and explore new areas. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1New groundbreaking findings and methods are developed, verified and put into practice that significantly contribute to realising the full potential of cultural heritage, arts or/and cultural and creative industries (CCIs) [1] as drivers of sustainable innovation and/or a European sense of belonging. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Leverage EOSC and ESFRI European Research Infrastructures and 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 |
| REQ2Links and integration with European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage (ECCCH)Projects producing 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 |
| REQ3Adherence to FAIR data principlesParticular efforts should be made to ensure that the data produced in the context of actions under this Destination is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable (FAIR). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Synergies with EIT KIC Culture and CreativityThe innovation ecosystems created and nurtured by EIT KICs, in particular EIT Culture and Creativity, may contribute to actions and may be considered by applicants as appropriate. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5International cooperation encouragedTo maximise impacts in line with EU priorities, international cooperation is encouraged whenever relevant in the proposed topics. | · | · | 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 | |||
| POL1european parliament resolution a coherent eu policy for cultural and creative industriesThis European Parliament Resolution calls for a unified and strategic EU-level approach to support Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). It emphasizes the economic and social contribution of CCIs, access to finance, intellectual property rights, and the integration of cultural sectors into broader EU industrial and innovation strategies. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2council conclusions on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable europeThese Council conclusions recognize cultural heritage as an irreplaceable strategic resource for Europe's sustainable growth, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. They advocate for mainstreaming heritage into national and European policies, promoting participatory governance, and enhancing evidence-based decision-making. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3council of europe framework convention on the value of cultural heritage for societyKnown as the Faro Convention (CETS No. 199), this framework emphasizes that heritage rights are inherent to the right to participate in cultural life. It frames cultural heritage not only as physical assets but as a communal resource vital for human development, quality of life, and democratic participation. | · | · | 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.
Page limit Stage 1
Part B Section 1+2+3 combined is typically capped at 10 pages at Stage 1. Pages exceeding the limit are invisible to evaluators.
Consortium continuity
The consortium declared at Stage 1 is expected to submit Stage 2. Substantial changes must be justified.
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.
Civil applications only
Exclusive military or dual-use applications are excluded.
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.
Stage 1 proposals are subject to strict blind evaluation rules. Any inclusion of participant names, institutional acronyms, or logos in the abstract or Part B will result in immediate rejection before any scoring takes place. Applicants must describe their consortium's capabilities and track record using purely anonymous, descriptive language.
Source: Eligibility
Evaluators are instructed to immediately filter out business-as-usual, purely descriptive cultural studies. To survive the 10-page Stage 1 limit, the proposal must pivot entirely toward transformative actionable knowledge, demonstrating exactly how the research translates into practical methods and verified interventions for CCIs and heritage ecosystems.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
While this is a bottom-up topic, applicants must make a clear structuring choice: bridging CCIs and heritage with either sustainable cross-sector innovation or the measurable cultivation of a European sense of belonging. Failing to anchor the proposal firmly in at least one of these two specific impact pathways will result in low scores for thematic positioning.
Source: Scope
The call explicitly forbids duplicating already funded activities, requiring projects to build upon established networks while exploring new areas. Proposals must explicitly map existing EU heritage and CCI initiatives and clearly articulate their distinct incremental value to prove they are not funding redundant platforms.
Source: Scope
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