Cultural and creative industries for a sustainable climate transition

The cultural and creative industries (CCIs) are an important source of growth and job creation in the European economy. Moreover, the CCIs play a key role in shaping culture, values and perceptions across the European Union and beyond. Thus, the role of the CCIs in achieving the European Union’s climate transition objectives is crucial.

At the same time, the CCIs are characterised by a large and diverse number of chiefly small and micro enterprises, as well as by hefty differences across geographical and sectorial divides. Large parts of the CCIs, thus, lack the capacity to take the necessary measures to adapt to and thrive under the climate transition, not to speak of driving this transition.

Specific approaches are therefore needed to enable Europe’s CCIs to develop their full potential to support a sustainable climate transition.

Proposals should provide for developing and validating an economically sustainable model, or a portfolio of approaches, that address this challenge. A suitable set of CCI sector(s) or/and cross-sectoral issues should be selected to focus on, which allow significant impacts to be achieved.

The approach(es) developed should address the adoption of new sustainable business models, including the use of new technologies and possibly the development or adaption of new technological solutions, as well as gaps in skills and capacities. The proposed models should be valid across different Member States/Associated Countries (where appropriate including regions), and address the needs of small, micro as well as larger companies. Different Member States/Associated Countries should therefore be involved, as well as a wide set of stakeholders including concerned policymakers, in order to ensure that solutions developed are effective and realistic.

Solutions may involve the use of platforms or networks to facilitate sharing investments, facilities or competencies among several companies or across sectors. In such cases, established platforms, networks or clusters for CCIs should be taken into account, to avoid duplication of efforts.

Proposals should build on existing knowledge, activities and networks, notably the ones funded by the European Union. Furthermore, links should be established and synergies sought with closely related actions, such as relevant R&I actions funded by Horizon Europe or Horizon 2020. In particular, when appropriate cooperation with projects funded under the topic ‘Cultural and creative industries for a sustainable climate transition’ of the Horizon Europe Cluster 2 2024 calls should be sought.