Demonstration sites
HI-EURECA-PRO Demonstration site
Cultural
Crete, Greece
Crete is a vibrant cultural mosaic shaped by the legacies of Minoan, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman civilizations. This rich heritage weaves through every aspect of the island’s modern identity, from daily life to its thriving economic activities, inspiring progress and innovation.
Our mission at the Cultural Heritage Demo Site is to:
- Advance research excellence by leveraging Greece's academic and cultural heritage through innovation and international collaboration.
- Foster interdisciplinary upskilling and empower young talents in cultural heritage innovations for the green transition.
- Develop, test and integrate sustainable materials, green energy practices, and smart tools for cultural heritage preservation.
- Accelerate the green and digital transformation in cultural heritage through collaboration and co-creation across research, policy, cultural sectors, and society.
Industrial
Gliwice, Poland
Gliwice is a dynamic fusion of industrial heritage and cultural diversity, shaped by the influences of Piast, Prussian, Austro-Hungarian, and Polish traditions. As a historic hub of engineering and technological innovation, the city has played a pivotal role in Poland’s industrial evolution. Today, Gliwice seamlessly blends its rich past with cutting-edge research, sustainable urban development, and economic modernization. Its industrial legacy continues to inspire progress, fostering a future where heritage and innovation work hand in hand to drive regional growth and global competitiveness.
Our mission at the Industrial Heritage Demo Site is to:
- Achieve Research Excellence – Leverage Poland’s academic and industrial heritage to enhance research capabilities through innovation and collaboration with the local ecosystem;
- Support Sustainable Industrial Transformation – Drive the green and digital transformation of the region’s industries, emphasizing responsible consumption and production (RCP) principles;
- Enhance Global Competitiveness of Researchers – Implement dedicated training programs, industrial internships, and workshops to support research careers and skills development;
- Foster Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Strengthen partnerships between science, industry, and policy actors to create innovative solutions for industrial heritage preservation;
- Develop a Digital Transformation Hub – Establish a central platform with research infrastructure, training modules, and practical guides to facilitate industrial digitalization;
- Engage with Local Communities – Offer upskilling courses, public seminars, and industry-academic collaborations to address job transformation and future skills needs;
Through these objectives, the Industrial Heritage Demo Site aims to integrate heritage preservation with cutting-edge technological advancements, fostering a more sustainable and innovative industrial landscape.
Mining
Jiu Valley, Romania
Jiu Valley is a dynamic cultural and industrial landscape shaped by centuries of mining heritage and the influences of Dacian, Roman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern Romanian civilizations. This rich legacy is deeply embedded in the region’s identity, from its resilient communities to its evolving economic and environmental transformation. As Jiu Valley transitions from its mining past towards a sustainable future, its heritage serves as both a foundation for innovation and a catalyst for regional development, blending tradition with modern progress.
The mission of the Mining Demo Site within the HI-EURECA-PRO project is to:
- Promote Research Excellence and Innovation – Leverage academic and mining heritage in Romania to foster research excellence, focusing on transition, circularity, and sustainability;
- Build New Skills and Transfer Knowledge – Develop new educational frameworks, such as summer schools and workshops, to support knowledge transfer and train students, young researchers, and faculty in sustainable mining heritage preservation and green transition strategies;
- Support Sustainable Development – Ensure the preservation of mining heritage while contributing to local community development in the Jiu Valley through interdisciplinary collaboration and research innovation;
- Create a Digital Museum on Mining Heritage – Develop a digital platform showcasing an inventory of mining heritage, in collaboration with local institutions such as the Mining Museum and Planeta Petrila Association;
- Strengthen Links with the Local Ecosystem – Identify and support local communities that can leverage mining heritage resources for innovation and sustainable economic transformation;
- Facilitate Knowledge Transfer and Intellectual Property Management – Establish an office to support knowledge transfer, research project development, and intellectual property management for mining heritage-based innovations