Innovative Startups in the Field of Digital Heritage, Citizen Engagement and Sustainable Growth of Small Towns/Territories

Proceedings of The 5th International Conference on Advanced Research in Social Sciences and Humanities

Year: 2022

DOI:

[Fulltext]

Innovative Startups in the Field of Digital Heritage, Citizen Engagement and Sustainable Growth of Small Towns/Territories

Nadia Cipullo

ABSTRACT: 

Cultural heritage represents a wealth for the territories that are its custodians. The transition from a concept of Conservation to one of Safeguard is paving the way for new forms of cultural businesses that place the user at the center, also making them participate in forms of co-creation of new cultural heritage. At the same time, users are increasingly being offered experiential tourist packages aimed at well-being, in which the cultural heritage of territories represents the fundamental asset of the offer. Furthermore, innovative entrepreneurial activities are often characterized by the use of emerging digital technologies, such as Augmented and Virtual Reality, using forms of storytelling and active community involvement through social media and web platforms. Engagement/involvement, in addition to guaranteeing greater access to culture, is itself an element that contributes to the bio-psycho-social well-being of users. Ultimately, new cultural entrepreneurs who want to use cultural heritage as a lever for territorial development must not only make increasing use of emerging digital technologies, but also propose experiences and involve users in forms of co-creation of new cultural heritage. The use of a holistic approach to cultural heritage, in fact, represents a powerful tool that guarantees sustainable development and the contribution to many SDGs: a positive impact mindset that benefits to the environment through conservation, to the economy through progress, and to the society through the consolidation of an identity that holds culture as a strong individual and common value passed on from generations to generations.

keywords: Culture, Development, Experience, Sustainability, Technology.