Heritage in EuroPe: new techHologies in crAft for prEserving and innovaTing fUtureS

Project Information

HEPHAESTUS

Grant agreement ID: 101095123

DOI

10.3030/101095123

EC signature date 13 December 2022

Start date 1 April 2023

End date 31 March 2027

Funded under

• Culture, creativity and inclusive society

Total cost

€ 3 951 429,72

EU contribution

€ 3 951 429,72

Coordinated by

COPENHAGEN BUSINESS SCHOOL
Denmark

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - HEPHAESTUS (Heritage in EuroPe: new techHologies in crAft for prEserving and innovaTing fUtureS)

Reporting period: 2024-04-01 to 2025-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Globalised markets, advancements in technology, and changes in the manufacturing have put at risk traditional crafts techniques, which are in danger of disappearing. HEPHAESTUS, will map this important knowledge and know-how of ancient techniques and materials, digitalise craft heritage to restore historic artefacts, preserve it in open archives, and mobilise it to innovate craft processes. Our interdisciplinary consortium will conduct R&I activities through ethnographic research, design thinking, and speculative design to bring together cutting-edge technologies with craft processes to make this encounter socially, culturally, environmentally, and economically sustainable. We will create innovative forms of engagement with the public. HEPHAEUSTUS aims: (i) to revive and valorise traditional crafts by combining them with new and emerging cutting-edge technologies through innovative business models for craft sectors growth; (ii) to create a craft-technology driven methodology for bringing together traditional know-how with new cutting edge technologies, circular economy and New Bauhaus principles to innovate sustainably craft processes; (iii) to explore visions for the role of craft in the future, integrating emerging technologies and contributing to the circular economy, by engaging craft communities in a participatory ideation process; (iv) to set up a life-long learning methodology, develop courses, programs, curricula, entrepreneurial and organisational skill sets to create jobs and revive enterprises where tradition meets the future; (v) to establish the first pioneering “Future of Craft” living lab at Bornholm, an action-oriented think tank for circular craft-driven design innovation (vi) and to establish sustainable craft-technology relationships by connecting research and heritage sites, cultural and creative sectors, institutions, universities and other research institutions, regional and national authorities, enterprises and other relevant stakeholders.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In the first year of Hephaestus, the work related to the task of mapping the social, cultural and political history of craft ecosystems, the values of craft in them and the related controversies has focused on four areas:

a) Developing collectively a methodology for an interdisciplinary study of craft in different ecosystems in Europe. This included the organization of 5 reading seminars;
b) Involving the craft makers in participatory workshops to discuss and develop our research. This entailed the develpment and testing of workshop models for stimulating debated among craft makers, policy makers and researchers, and collect data).
c) Collecting field material and sharing the analysis process. This included 77 interviews with craftmakers and/or policymakers and observations across the 4 ecosystems; several craft events and seminars; development and testing of scheme of analysis and coding scheme); begun reading and analysis of historical literature on craft.

Preparing for designing and materializing different maps of the ecosystems, including mapping controversies, by facilitation and analysis of mapping workshops with craft makers.
Moreover, we have selected 4-6 craftmakers from four ecosystems – Bassano, Venice, Bornholm and Dals Långed/Fengersfors – to be part of a community as craft ambassadors. These craftmakers represent practitioners whose work is particularly interesting in terms of relation to new technologies and sustainability and who are interested in collaborating with Hephaestus during the duration of the whole project. They have been involved in participatory craft workshop to test theories, ideas and propositions emerging from the research work.



We concluded the first mapping of educational needs of the craft-makers to develop an evidence-based new form of learning and supportive approaches (results in D4.1). We started the mapping of new technologies among craft processes through one survey and interviews with FabLabs, aimed at the development of craft technology-driven scorecards and craft innovation-driven methodology (results in D2.1 forthcoming in M15).
All this was possible thanks to an extensive networking effort through events and workshops. Indeed successfully completed a series of workshops and events to establish a network of municipalities, heritage sites, and museums at the Living Lab (results in D5.1) and engage communities more broadly (results in D6.4).

Alotgether, these activities contributed to data collection, analysis and/or discussion of the 20 articles, of which 3 published and 17 currently under development. All the work-in-progress have been submitted by one or more Hephaestus researchers, and accepted to at least one academic conference or journal during the first year of the project.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Within the first year, we have ensured knowledge sharing, policy sharing and best practices sharing across Europe. The craft-makers have indicated that they are very satisfied and see the value of being involved in a EU project. We are also contributing to create a sense of community in rural areas. To strengthen the results, we would seek additional funding to ensure impact.