Creative Alliances EU–Far East: Advancing Cultural Policy and CCI Innovation

This marketplace opportunity invites universities, cultural institutions, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and SMEs to join a consortium for a Horizon Europe Cluster 2 proposal under the Heritage-05 topic: “Creative alliances: Fostering global partnerships in cultural policies and CCI innovation.” The proposed project aims to establish a dynamic and sustainable collaboration framework between Europe and key Far East & South-East Asia regions, leveraging shared cultural assets, policy exchange, and innovation ecosystems to strengthen the global competitiveness and societal impact of cultural and creative industries (CCIs). Building on existing international networks and successful large-scale initiatives—including a value of £1.3 million Augmented Fashion project(Please see Professor Yang Jiang's staff profile, University of Hull, UK)—the consortium will explore new models of cross-cultural collaboration, knowledge exchange, and co-creation.

The project will focus on three strategic pillars:

1. Global Cultural Policy Dialogue and Exchange
   Facilitate structured collaboration between European and Asian policymakers, cultural agencies, and research institutions to co-develop forward-looking cultural policies. This includes addressing challenges such as digital transformation, sustainability, intellectual property, and equitable access to cultural resources.

2. Innovation Ecosystems for CCIs
   Strengthen cross-regional innovation ecosystems by connecting creative practitioners, SMEs, start-ups, and technology developers. Particular emphasis will be placed on emerging areas such as immersive technologies (XR), AI-driven creativity, and digital fashion, building on proven expertise in augmented and immersive design practices.

3. Co-Creation and Mobility Across Regions
   Enable collaborative production, artist residencies, joint labs, and innovation programmes that foster intercultural dialogue and creative experimentation. The project will promote mobility of talent, ideas, and technologies between Europe and the Far East, supporting long-term partnerships and market opportunities.

The consortium will adopt a multidisciplinary and co-creative approach, integrating expertise from cultural policy, creative practice, digital technologies, business innovation, and social sciences. Strong engagement with stakeholders—including cultural organisations, industry networks, and public authorities—will ensure policy relevance, inclusivity, and sustainable impact.