Getting cultural heritage to work for Europe: Report of the Horizon 2020 expert group on cultural heritage.Cultural heritage is increasingly regarded as a positive contributor to European Gross Domestic Product. Indeed Cultural heritage is now widely appreciated as an essential part of Europe’s underlying socioeconomic, cultural and natural capital. This is a significant change in focus as cultural activities have traditionally been regarded as costs to society. The economic benefits of cultural heritage have most commonly been seen in terms of tourism, but it is now also seen as an innovative stimulant for growth and employment in a wide range of traditional and new industries. It is also to be recognised as major contributor to social cohesion and engagement as a way of bringing together communities and stimulating young people to engage with their environment. Many countries have successfully exploited these benefits, generating prosperity, bringing new jobs and creating improved environments. This report gives some concrete examples of how cultural heritage has been a production factor in local and national economies. Yet this positive experience of cultural heritage is not yet universal. In many places, both urban and rural, rich cultural assets have not been recognised for the potential they hold to regenerate and renew. Getting Cultural Heritage to Work for Europe argues that the European Union should vigorously promote the innovative use of cultural heritage for economic growth and jobs, social cohesion and environmental sustainability. The report suggests that lessons should be learnt from places where cultural heritage has been a positive economic, social and environmental driver. Innovative financing, new forms of governance, unified landscape management, public private partnerships, crowd-sourced funding, philanthropy and many other innovative and creative approaches have been taken to releasing the locked-up potential of Europe’s heritage. Those lessons should be applied to unlock the possibilities for growth and development that cultural heritage holds across Europe. The authors believe that the evidence demonstrates that relatively modest investment in cultural heritage can pay substantial dividends. These can be taken economically but also in terms of improving environmental sustainability and social cohesion.09. Aspects économiques et sociaux de la conservation06. Paysages culturels12. Villes et villages historiques14. Paysage urbain historique03. Industrie du tourisme05. Impact du tourisme02. Impact économique du patrimoine05. Patrimoine et développement durable03. Liste du Patrimoine Mondial05. Europe2015Publications Office of the European UnionMonographie