Driving Innovation in Culture and Creativity: KEA’s Role in the EIT C&C Partnership 

In June 2024, EIT Culture & Creativity signed a transformative seven-year partnership agreement with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). This collaboration aims to position culture and creativity as key drivers of Europe’s economic, environmental, and social progress. The momentum continued in November 2024, when EIT Culture & Creativity (EIT C&C) partners gathered in Eindhoven to strategize the network’s next steps. By December 2024, this vision was solidified with the signing of a partnership and grant agreement with the EIT Knowledge Innovation Community (KIC), setting the stage for an ambitious journey through 2030. 

 An Innovation Partnership for Culture and Creativity 

Over the next seven years, KEA will collaborate as a cooperation partner within a dynamic network of large companies, SMEs, cultural institutions, and public organizations. Together, we aim to advance EIT’s mission of creating a sustainable ecosystem within the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSIs). 

This mission is underpinned by a dual approach: a localized-to-continental strategy. Locally, tailored support is delivered through six regional innovation hubs, also known as co-location centers, strategically positioned in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bologna, Helsinki, Košice, and Vienna. At the continental level, the partnership fosters EU-wide exchange and collaboration opportunities, enabling CCSIs to thrive in a competitive and interconnected landscape. 

In the years ahead, EIT C&C will focus on three key objectives: 

1. Empowering Talents: Equipping students and professionals with entrepreneurial skills essential for navigating the green and digital transitions.
2. Scaling Innovations: Driving the adoption of cutting-edge green technologies, advancing digital transformation, and pioneering new business models to maximize societal and economic impact.
3. Accelerating Growth: Boosting the growth of CCSI ventures to enhance their global competitiveness and resilience. 

KEA’s Role: Insights, Communication, and Impact 

With over two decades of experience in cultural policy and creative industries, KEA brings unparalleled expertise and a diverse network to this ambitious initiative. Our strength lies in bridging communication gaps among stakeholders within and beyond the KIC, ensuring that the consortium’s results align with the sector’s real needs and societal expectations. As “instant translators” of the consortium’s work, KEA is committed to showcasing actionable outcomes to policymakers. By doing so, we aim to foster meaningful improvements in the sector’s conditions, bridging the critical gap between research, industry, and policy. This practical approach underscores our dedication to supporting the sector’s growth and long-term sustainability. 

Looking ahead, KEA is excited to leverage its expertise in shaping strategies and solutions that empower the cultural and creative sectors. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and resilience, we are confident in our ability to drive meaningful progress and help the sector realize its full potential. 

For more details, access the official EIT C&C press release here.