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Digital Transformation in the Cultural Heritage Sector and Its Impacts on Sustainable Regional Development in Peripheral Regions

Author

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  • Jasmin Sandriester

    (Department of Geography and Regional Science, University of Graz, Heinrichstraße 36, 8010 Graz, Austria)

  • Jörn Harfst

    (Department of Geography and Regional Science, University of Graz, Heinrichstraße 36, 8010 Graz, Austria)

  • Carmen Kern

    (Department of Geography and Regional Science, University of Graz, Heinrichstraße 36, 8010 Graz, Austria)

  • Chiara Zuanni

    (Department of Digital Humanities, University of Graz, Elisabethstraße 59/III, 8010 Graz, Austria)

Abstract

Digital transformation as a strategic goal is not new in the cultural heritage sector, yet it gained momentum due to COVID-19. This is reflected in policies and national strategies across Europe, where digitalisation is often seen as key to sustainable development. This study focuses on small heritage institutions in peripheral settings and explores the opportunities and limitations of digitalisation and its impact on sustainable regional development. A mixed-methods approach was applied, including a literature review, an online survey, focus groups, and a stakeholder interview, complemented by a case study. The findings show an uneven distribution of the perceived benefits, depending on funding, staff, and location. Nevertheless, digital transformation has positive social impacts by enhancing access to, participation in, and awareness of cultural heritage and therefore well-being. However, its economic effects in peripheral regions should not be overestimated. Digitalisation’s ecological impact on sustainable regional development is an underrepresented topic in the literature. Moreover, digitalisation is particularly challenging in peripheral regions and for smaller institutions with limited resources and should not be regarded as a guaranteed pathway towards sustainability. This paper contributes to an emerging field by examining the intersection of heritage institutions, digitalisation, and sustainable regional development in peripheral areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Jasmin Sandriester & Jörn Harfst & Carmen Kern & Chiara Zuanni, 2025. "Digital Transformation in the Cultural Heritage Sector and Its Impacts on Sustainable Regional Development in Peripheral Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6661-:d:1706808
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jörn Harfst & Jasmin Sandriester & Wolfgang Fischer, 2021. "Industrial Heritage Tourism as a Driver of Sustainable Development? A Case Study of Steirische Eisenstrasse (Austria)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Vicky Katsoni & Thanasis Spyriadis (ed.), 2020. "Cultural and Tourism Innovation in the Digital Era," Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, Springer, number 978-3-030-36342-0, March.
    3. Wioletta Knapik & Karol Król, 2023. "Inclusion of Vanishing Cultural Heritage in a Sustainable Rural Development Strategy–Prospects, Opportunities, Recommendations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-21, February.
    4. Fiona Cameron & Bob Hodge & Juan Francisco Salazar, 2013. "Representing climate change in museum space and places," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 4(1), pages 9-21, January.
    5. Francesca Nocca, 2017. "The Role of Cultural Heritage in Sustainable Development: Multidimensional Indicators as Decision-Making Tool," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-28, October.
    6. Ulf Preuss, 2016. "Sustainable Digitalization of Cultural Heritage—Report on Initiatives and Projects in Brandenburg, Germany," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-15, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Huimeng Wang & Yuki Gong & Yuge Zhang & Frank Li, 2025. "Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Cultural Heritage: Practical Guidelines and Case-Based Evidence," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-16, October.

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