[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 23, 2027 (Full application submission deadline, 17:00 Brussels time)

€3,000,000–€3,500,000 per project; up to 3 grants awarded

Supports research and innovation integrating social economy principles into cultural and creative sectors for sustainable growth, quality jobs, and social impact in Europe.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity from the European Commission aims to advance research and innovation at the intersection of the social economy and the cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI). The objective is to develop and test innovative frameworks and hybrid business models that combine social economy principles—such as social purpose, democratic governance, and reinvestment of profits—with entrepreneurship in the creative economy. Projects are expected to generate evidence-based policy frameworks, case studies, and evaluation tools to measure the social and economic impact of CCSIs operating within social economy frameworks. Key focus areas include: - Sustainable growth and resilience of CCSIs, especially during crises. - Workforce development and strategies to address precarious employment, social mobility, and diversity. - Innovation, local development, and social impact, including empowering marginalized groups. - Comparative policy analysis, identification of best practices, and recommendations for scalable, integrated strategies. Interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral cooperation and stakeholder involvement are strongly encouraged to empower CCSIs as catalysts for inclusive and sustainable transformation in Europe. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2027: Full application submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Each funded project will receive between €3,000,000 and €3,500,000 (lump sum). - Up to 3 projects are expected to be funded under this call. --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must comply with the general eligibility rules of Horizon Europe. - Applicants must be legal entities established in EU Member States or Associated Countries (see [Annex B](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf)). - Consortia are typically required; check the specific call documents for minimum consortium composition. - Non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate under certain conditions—refer to the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission process via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-HERITAGE-05?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Proposals must adhere to the page limits and layout described in the application form and [Annex A/E](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf). - Applications must demonstrate financial and operational capacity, as per [Annex C](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf). - Evaluation criteria and process are outlined in [Annex D/F](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf). - Use the [standard application form (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Funding is provided as a lump sum grant under Horizon Europe rules. - The granting authority may object to transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results up to 4 years after project completion. - The call encourages gender-sensitive and intersectional approaches and the participation of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. - Guidance and detailed instructions are available in the [HE Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) and [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-HERITAGE-05?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (2025)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [Standard Application Form (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Option | Details | |-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points (NCPs)| [Find NCPs](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Re-imagining the creative economy: the interplay between the cultural and creative sectors and industries and the social economy - European Commission

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