HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-HERITAGE-05: Re-imagining the creative economy: the interplay between the cultural and creative sectors and industries and the social economy

Expected Outcome:

Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:

• 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.

Scope:

The intersection of social economy[[ The European Commission defines social economy in the Communication ‘Building an economy that works for people: an action plan for the social economy’, COM(2021) 778 final, p. 5 “The social economy covers entities sharing the following main common principles and features: the primacy of people as well as social and/or environmental purpose over profit, the reinvestment of most of the profits and surpluses to carry out activities in the interest of members/users (“collective interest”) or society at large (“general interest”) and democratic and/or participatory governance. Traditionally, the term social economy refers to four main types of entities providing goods and services to their members or society at large: cooperatives, mutual benefit societies, associations (including charities), and foundations.” […]]] and the cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI) provides fertile ground for advancing sustainable and inclusive development across public and private domains. Enhancing synergies between private initiatives (impact-oriented enterprises, cooperatives, associations) and public policy can unlock innovative models, fostering hybrid approaches that blend public mission with entrepreneurial strategies. Studies highlight the role of social economy entities in CCSI for local development through ecological approaches, territorial clustering, and community engagement, as well as for improving employment and working conditions and promoting inclusive growth^[1].

Key areas of focus are expected to be addressed through inter-, multi- and trans-disciplinary approaches (taking into account – among others – contributions by SSH disciplines), including cross-sectoral cooperation and stakeholder involvement:

1. Sustainable Growth and Quality Employment

• 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]

2. Innovation, local development and social impact

• 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.

3. Policy and comparative studies

• Analyse and compare policy frameworks supporting the convergence of creative economy and social economy models in the EU and beyond.

Identify best practices and propose recommendations for integrated strategies enhancing sustainable, inclusive development and innovation.