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Unlocking Potential in the Creative Economy: The Growing impact of Soft Skills in Transforming Cultural Industries

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The objective of the Cultural Bees project is to implement an educational training programme covering the skills, knowledge and tools needed to develop entrepreneurial, cultural and sustainable ideas.

In order to respond to this need and to ensure that the experience offered to the young people is in line with the dynamics of the CCI sector, two preparatory reports for the creation of the curricula were drafted: the National Ecosystem Forum (NEF) Report and the State of the Art Report.

Specifically, the National Ecosystem Forum Report analyses data on the sector in terms of evolution, challenges, opportunities, profiles and required skills.

The challenges identified in the CCI sector are as follows:

  • General: related to strategic and social involvement, financial and infrastructural barriers, and educational and global integration issues;
  • In the educational context: relating more closely to curriculum and cultural emphasis; teachers’ experiential learning; perceptions of heritage careers and entrepreneurial skills.

The analysis conducted identified specific areas on which to intervene in order to design tailor-made educational curricula, built through the experiential value of activities dedicated to cultural heritage history (such as field trips, workshops and projects) and the integration of emerging technological processes such as augmented reality and artificial intelligence, aimed at creating immersive experiences and increasing engagement. By applying these measures, which go beyond conventional notions of museum conservation and preservation, it is possible to bridge the gap between the academic training of students and the demands of industry in the cultural heritage sector.

The paper also focuses on the transversal, technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills required by the sector, together with current shortcomings and future prospects. This brings the two reports in line with the entrepreneurial skills framework defined by the European Commission, Entrecomp, according to which entrepreneurship is defined as the ability to act on opportunities and ideas in order to create social, cultural and financial value for others.

According to the NEF Report, clearly defined essential competencies are grouped into:

  • Soft skills: creativity and innovation; interpersonal skills; adaptability; cultural awareness; respect and inclusion; passion and dynamism; multitasking; effective communication; negotiation skills; critical thinking and problem solving;
  • Technical skills: historical and geographical knowledge; project management; financial competence; legal knowledge; technological skills; market understanding; knowledge of best practices;
  • Personal attributes: persistence and discipline; ethical grounding; confidence in oneself and one’s abilities.

The State of Art Report goes into detail through a survey conducted from job vacancies in the CCI sector in the six partner countries, on the most common platforms such as LinkedIn and Adecco. In particular, the most sought-after soft skills were gathered in macro-categories: interpersonal skills; analytical skills; leadership and management; adaptability and flexibility; organisational skills and time management; creativity and innovation; independence and autonomy; positive attitude and motivation; customer service and hospitality; strategic thinking and ambition. The ability to teamwork, adaptability and problem solving are among the most recurring skills in the job postings of companies in the sector and place increasing emphasis on profiles able to work in dynamic and collaborative environments. and to exploit digital tools to enhance cultural heritage.

The Cultural Bees project action intends to intervene on these data through the implementation of a digital toolkit and an educational programme enabling young people aged between 15 and 30 to develop the required skills and knowledge and to succeed in careers in the CCI sector, through the development of ideas and projects that are sustainable, inclusive and innovative.

To read the National Ecosystem Forum Report click here.

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