The European Commission has published results from the online survey on Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage a new EU initiative to safeguard European cultural treasures through digital infrastructure. The study was conducted in the last quarter of 2022 to collect detailed feedback from a broad number of stakeholders focusing on their needs and challenges.
The report is based on more than 1,000 replies submitted by people working in the cultural heritage sector, including researchers (33% of respondents). Its conclusions are as follows:
- The results revealed a high interest of the sector in a digital collaboration platform for cultural heritage, however, there is a clear need for more information on the rollout of the new initiative.
- The lack of funds, lack of a digital strategy among management, and shortcomings in digital skills among staff are the most broadly shared challenges raised by the respondents.
- The four features the respondents consider of highest priority for a future platform are: tools for creating; sharing and re-using interactive content on the Cloud; tools for AI-assisted metadata enrichment i.e. to make cultural heritage content interoperable, tools for advanced interaction with the digital content of the Cloud; and tools for analysing, designing and testing interaction with visitors.
- Guaranteeing data and systems interoperability is fundamental for the Cloud to create synergies with other digital initiatives, both from a legal and technical point of view.
- In addition, the feedback highlighted that the new Cloud needs to be complemented by other activities like training, developing digital strategies, as well as mobilising appropriate IT infrastructures and digital equipment for the cultural heritage sector.
Background
The new Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage initiative was announced in June 2022 at the request of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Its main objective is to help safeguard European cultural treasures through digital infrastructure. The Commission has invited Member States to jointly establish a governance model for this new infrastructure, combining existing national and European structures with new technologies and research.
The Cloud’s development will start under the Horizon Europe Cluster 2 Work Programme, with €110 million earmarked for calls for proposals to be launched in 2023 and 2024. At the recent Cluster 2 UK NCP webinar and the Commission’s Cluster 2 info day detailed information on the funding opportunities was presented.