Re-imagining the creative economy: the interplay between the cultural and creative sectors and industries and the social economy

Overview

Projects that explore the intersection of cultural and creative sectors (CCSIs) with the social economy to develop sustainable, inclusive models, frameworks, and workforce strategies for policymakers, startups, and social enterprises.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., universities, research institutions, SMEs, public bodies, cooperatives, associations, foundations) established in eligible countries. At least three independent entities from three different eligible countries must participate.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: 5,000,000 EUR. Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs (lump sum). Total budget: Not specified.

What Is Funded

1. Sustainable Growth and Quality Employment - Analysis of social economy models’ impact on CCSI sustainability, - resilience, and growth. - Strategies to address precarious employment, - alternative employment structures, and professional development. - Financing mechanisms and fiscal incentives for social reinvestment. - Workforce development to enhance socio-economic diversity and mobility, using gender-sensitive and intersectional approaches.

2. Innovation, Local Development, and Social Impact - Investigation of CCSI social enterprises’ role in driving innovation, social participation, and empowerment of marginalized groups. - Assessment of CCSI social economy enterprises’ contribution to local development, social cohesion, and responsible consumption.

3. Policy and Comparative Studies - Analysis and comparison of policy frameworks supporting CCSI-social economy convergence in the EU and beyond. - Development of evidence-based policy frameworks, guidelines, and evaluation methods for policymakers.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-05-12
• Deadline: 2027-09-22

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout specified in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting and dissemination requirements as per Horizon Europe guidelines.
• The granting authority may object to the transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to four years post-action.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must address all expected outcomes: policy frameworks, case studies, hybrid business models, and workforce development strategies.
• Inter-, multi-, and trans-disciplinary approaches are required, including contributions from social sciences and humanities (SSH).
• Co-funding is not required, but consortia must demonstrate financial and operational capacity.