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Expected Outcomes

Projects funded under this topic are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes:

• A strengthened evidence base and deeper understanding of cultural policy models, creative industry ecosystems, and promotion strategies across global regions. This includes identifying good practices, replicable success models, shared challenges, and opportunities for cross-regional cooperation in the creative economy.
• The establishment of international, equitable partnerships that enable the exchange of cultural policy approaches, support collaborative production and co-creation, and promote capacity building and knowledge transfer among participating actors.
• The development of actionable strategies and policy recommendations for policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders to foster cross-regional collaboration, reinforce cultural ties, and position creative industries, arts, and culture as drivers of innovation, resilience, and Global Europe engagement.

Scope of the Call

This Horizon Europe topic examines how international partnerships can reinforce cultural policy development and creative industries innovation, promote intercultural dialogue, and contribute to sustainable development and global cooperation.

Proposals must select one of two interconnected focus areas, although complementarities and synergies between them may be explored.

Focus 1: Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) Innovation Beyond Borders

Creative industries are increasingly recognised for their contribution to economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion—particularly for youth, women, and persons with disabilities. They generate economic value while fostering wellbeing and cultural vitality.

The EU model—characterised by digital and green transitions, ethical and open AI, and strong links to cultural heritage—offers a framework that can inspire creative industry ecosystems worldwide. Cross-border collaboration can create new markets, stimulate innovation, and strengthen balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Proposals under this focus should:

• Analyse diverse international approaches to supporting creative industries.
• Promote mutual learning and knowledge exchange.
• Establish pilot projects demonstrating the value of cross-regional creative industry cooperation.
• Address regional challenges and opportunities, particularly in Africa, the Far East, South-East Asia, and Latin America.
• Consider synergies with the EU Global Gateway strategy to support inclusive and resilient global partnerships.

Focus 2: International Cultural Relations for Global Resilience

Cultural diplomacy, international cultural relations, and soft power represent different but complementary dimensions of global cultural engagement:

• Cultural diplomacy advances national interests through cultural exchange.
• International cultural relations emphasise reciprocal and mutual collaboration.
• Soft power reflects culture’s broader influence on global perceptions.

In a context where traditional diplomacy faces increasing pressure, cultural engagement plays a critical role in fostering trust, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. It strengthens societal resilience, promotes shared values, and supports Europe’s strategic autonomy.

Proposals under this focus should establish pilot initiatives testing innovative models of international cultural relations, such as:

• Intercultural dialogue initiatives in communities experiencing tension or conflict.
• Collaborative artistic projects promoting mutual understanding and countering xenophobia or nationalism.
• Cultural partnerships designed to avoid asymmetric power dynamics.
• Joint actions demonstrating how culture, arts, and design contribute to social cohesion, diversity, inclusion, and resilience.

Regions of particular interest include Africa, the Far East, South-East Asia, and Latin America.

Applicants must clearly state which focus area they are addressing.

Cross-Cutting Requirements

All projects should:

• Establish long-term collaboration mechanisms leveraging regional cultural assets and industry innovation to address global and local challenges.
• Explore solutions to unequal access to global markets and structural imbalances in the creative economy, with attention to gender and intersectional factors.
• Involve Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) representatives from the outset to ensure meaningful participation.
• Focus on specific CCSI areas where appropriate to generate in-depth analysis and strategic insights.
• Explore synergies with EU initiatives supporting international cultural partnerships, including European Spaces of Culture, and potential complementarities with projects funded under HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-07.

Participation from research organisations, policy think tanks, creative industry actors, artist organisations, technology communities, and cultural institutions from Europe and partner regions is strongly encouraged.

International cooperation is expected to play a central role in achieving the objectives of this call.