The article reflects on the role of culture and heritage in sustainable development and proposes a strategy for their valorization. It originated from a joint reflection during the revision process of the Regional Strategy for Smart Specialization in the Alentejo Region, Portugal. The authors pondered on the significance of culture and heritage for sustainable development, addressing the challenges and opportunities they face today.
They suggest five action axes: promoting creative entrepreneurship, enhancing cultural accessibility, supporting artistic and cultural production, human capital training, and research and innovation. The focus is on fostering creative knowledge and technologies in content production, multimedia communication, and cultural programming to create new job opportunities and drive economic growth.
Furthermore, the text emphasises the importance of considering territories as reflections of human actions over time, intertwined with culture, environment, and landscape. It advocates for a broader approach to territorial heritage, integrating natural and cultural resources sustainably. The integration of cultural and natural heritage knowledge into scientific, technological, and artistic projects is crucial for adapting to climate change impacts.
Despite potential financial constraints, the authors stress the pivotal role of culture, arts, and cultural heritage in sustainable regional development, promoting diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion. They highlight the cultural identity expressed through tangible and intangible heritage as essential for environmental sustainability, circular economy, and strategic regional planning. Ultimately, the text underscores the need to prioritise cultural investment for a sustainable and competitive future in the face of global economic challenges.
