The RECHARGE Approach to Participatory Business Models for Cultural Heritage

If you’ve worked with business models before, you may be familiar with the Business Model Canvas. What sets a Participatory Business Model for Cultural Heritage apart is its emphasis on participation, social value, and the unique attributes of Cultural Heritage Organisations. It goes beyond financial value to account for societal and environmental benefits while incorporating the perspectives of multiple stakeholders throughout the collaboration process. This approach strengthens inclusion, supports democratic processes, and enhances the long-term sustainability of initiatives.

The Participatory Business Models for Cultural Heritage Canvas serves multiple functions:

• Highlighting the role of participation and stakeholder engagement in business modelling.

• Connecting different aspects of a business model into a cohesive framework for cultural institutions.

• Guiding participatory innovation processes.

• Communicating the participatory elements of an institution’s business plan.

A participatory business model offers a multi-sided value proposition—more than just selling a service or product, it anticipates your organisation acting as an intermediary that connects diverse stakeholders, like Bolt or Airbnb. In this way, cultural institutions not only manage heritage and culture but also create societal value beyond traditional financial metrics.