Over the last decades, the economic literature on cultural heritage has been devoted to investigating its role in local development, economic growth and innovation. Tangible and intangible cultural heritage has been studied as a source for the regeneration of products, sectors and places and elements to favour the transformation of the economic structure of cities and regions. However, the relationship between culture and the economy is approaching a new phase, one that is based on closer ties between culture, creativity and technological innovation. We are beginning a New Era in which cultural institutions and organizations should address the challenges that have emerged from the spread of digital technology and the need to adopt practices for environmental, economic and social sustainability. This rapid revolution has led cultural institutions to rethink their role in the contemporary economic context. Production systems have changed, and new intangible added value is generated from a symbolic value and identity, of which creativity, technology transfer, and tangible and intangible heritage are crucial components. The combination of cultural heritage and new technologies stimulates a new ecosystem for innovation that is capable of creating value and different types of entrepreneurship in different sectors, such as tourism. The Twin Transition calls for a response to a new demand for cultural content from local and digital communities and social networks. Cultural institutions like museums have to meet this demand.

In light of these considerations, we ask: how might the green and digital transition affect the management of tangible and intangible heritage?

What are the new challenges for cultural industries after the shock caused by the Covid-19 pandemic?