Welcome to the new innovation policy platform for the cultural and creative industries
- POLICY AREAS
AI and Cultural and Creative Industries
New European Bauhaus – CCIs enabling green transition
Immersive Media
Crafts-led Innovation
Platformisation of the Music Industry
Inclusivity in Video Game Industry
Cross-Innovation with Performing Arts
Fashion Transition: Eco-Design for Circularity
Cultural Heritage Institutions within Open Innovation Ecosystems
New funding models for creativity and innovation
Spaces, infrastructures, and ecosystems for CCIs
Reimagining Deep-Tech
Digital Commons
Linking networks together
By Bodil Malmström
Presenting ekip to Dutch cultural and creative networks
In December, Jeroen van der Aa from TU Delft, an ekip partner, was invited by Dutch Culture to present ekip during their EU Funding Marathon webinar.
Dutch Culture is the national network and knowledge organisation for international cultural cooperation, supporting the Dutch cultural and creative sector and public authorities.
“The objective of the presentation was to create awareness in the Dutch cultural and creative sector about ekip what ekip can do for the sector and how they can connect with it,” says Jeroen van der Aa.
The creation of the ekip proposal was also used as a case study, illustrating key dynamics to consider when developing a Horizon Europe project.
Barriers for CCIs in accessing European funding
During a discussion with the Dutch Enterprise Agency (National Contact Point for Horizon Europe), the Creative Europe Desk, and Waag Society, a shared challenge became clear: National Contact Points struggle to reach Cultural and Creative Industries.
As most organisations in the CCIs are SMEs, participation in European funding programmes is often perceived as too complex or inaccessible.
“They do not always have access to partners active in European programmes, such as universities,” explains Jeroen van der Aa.
Cascade funding as an opportunity for CCIs
One promising instrument discussed was Cascade Funding, which could be particularly suitable for CCIs.
However, a key gap remains: there is currently no centralised overview of cascade funding opportunities tailored to CCIs.
“This is something ekip could bring to the attention of the European Commission,” says Jeroen van der Aa.
By mapping and connecting these opportunities, ekip could significantly lower entry barriers for cultural and creative organisations.
Strengthening connections between national and European networks
A follow-up meeting with the Dutch Enterprise Agency and the Creative Europe Desk is planned to explore how these organisations can contribute to ekip and link their national CCI networks more effectively at European level.
This approach reflects ekip’s broader ambition: acting as a connector between networks, institutions, and funding ecosystems rather than building parallel structures.
Watch the EU Funding Marathon webinar
The recording of the EU Funding Marathon webinar is available online: https://dutchculture.nl/en/node/1667878
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