The IN SITU project is pleased to announce the release of its latest report, which assesses the potential for growth and innovation within specific subsectors of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) in six non-urban areas across Europe. Through a comprehensive regional analysis, the report identifies key drivers behind CCI growth, highlighting sectors with the highest transformative potential for both local economies and societal well-being.

The analysis was led by IN SITU partner Mondragon Innovation & Knowledge (MIK), Mondragon University (Spain) and entailed a set of collaborative tasks aimed at identifying factors driving innovation and transformation in the CCIs across rural Europe.

The specific goals of the report are:

1. To identify innovation drivers in CCI subsector growth.
2. To assess financial sustainability and participative practices.
3. To develop a Growth–Development Matrix.

Strategic Priorities for Innovation and Sustainability

The report outlines several cross-regional priorities to enhance the innovation potential of CCIs in non-urban areas across Europe:

1. Investment in Infrastructure and R&D: Many regions require increased infrastructure and R&D investment to bridge the gap with more developed areas and foster dynamic innovation ecosystems.
2. Strengthening Financial Mechanisms: Financial sustainability is a common challenge for CCIs, and stronger funding frameworks—such as grants and investment funds—are essential for long-term resilience.
3. Encouraging Intersectoral Collaboration: Promoting collaboration between different sectors can catalyse innovation, create synergies, and foster a more dynamic creative ecosystem.
4. Addressing Skills and Knowledge Gaps: Targeted educational and training programs can bridge skills gaps, enhancing the workforce’s capacity for innovation and growth.
5. Leveraging Regional Cultural Assets: Each region possesses unique cultural resources that can be used to differentiate its CCI subsectors, stimulate niche markets, and boost local economic development.
6. Promoting Talent Retention and Engagement: Retaining local talent, particularly among young people, is critical for sustaining innovation. Creating opportunities for youth engagement in CCIs will ensure long-term viability and growth.

This analysis demonstrates that while CCIs in non-urban regions face particular challenges, they also hold considerable potential to drive innovation and contribute to local socioeconomic growth. The Growth–Development Matrix offers a practical framework for identifying high-potential subsectors and supporting tailored policy recommendations and strategic interventions. Finally, this report provides actionable insights for fostering resilient, innovative, and community-oriented CCIs in Europe’s peripheral regions.

Read the full report here: https://insituculture.eu/exploring-innovation-sustainability-and-community-engagement-in-rural-europe/