Participatory Business Models for Cultural Heritage

The RECHARGE Participatory Business Models for Cultural Heritage are an innovative adaptation of general business model frameworks, specifically tailored for cultural institutions and organisations, with a particular emphasis on the cultural heritage sector. These models, or patterns, place participation, co-creation, and stakeholder engagement at the heart of value creation, delivery, and capture, enabling Cultural Heritage Organisations (CHOs) to explore new pathways for relevance, resilience, and sustainability.

Unlike traditional business models that are often centred on transactional relationships, the RECHARGE models integrate collaborative and participatory strategies, encouraging CHOs to act as platforms, facilitators, and co-creators within broader cultural, social, and economic ecosystems.

RECHARGE has developed three models:

• Participatory Resource Pooling Model

• Participatory Platform Model

• Participatory Ownership Model

These models have been co-developed and tested in real-life environments through nine Living Labs during the RECHARGE project, ensuring their applicability, flexibility, and impact in diverse Cultural Heritage Organisations (CHO) contexts. They aim to support CHOs in in innovating their practices while aligning with their public missions, social responsibilities, and cultural values.