Even though the project has ended, its legacy continues through the HUB-IN Cities Network
“HUB-IN has proven that cultural heritage is a driver for change. Cities are embracing innovation to redefine their historic cores for the 21st century.” – Vera Gregório, HUB-IN Project Coordinator
Historic urban areas (HUAs) are the beating heart of Europe’s identity, shaping its cultural and social fabric while contributing significantly to economic vitality. However, they face growing pressures from urbanisation, economic shifts, climate change, and demographic changes, often leading to depopulation, a lack of investment, and difficulties in modernisation without losing their essence.
The HUB-IN project, which has now reached its conclusion, was created to foster innovation and entrepreneurship while safeguarding the cultural and social identity of the HUAs in Belfast, Brașov, Genova, Grand Angoulême, Lisbon, Nicosia, Slovenska Bistrica, and Utrecht. Funded by the EU Horizon 2020 Programme, the project focused on unlocking the potential of HUAs through creative, entrepreneurial, and sustainable solutions, ensuring these areas remain vibrant and adaptable to evolving urban needs, in line with, in particular, the New European Bauhaus, which promotes sustainability, beauty, and inclusivity.
The HUB-IN Approach: Fostering real, sustainable change
At the core of HUB-IN is a transformative approach to historic urban regeneration, anchored in three fundamental principles:
- Clusters of Innovation: Encouraging economic and social activity in heritage-led creative industries, sustainable lifestyles, and human-connected places.
- Co-Creation & Community Engagement: Placing local communities at the heart of regeneration efforts, ensuring inclusive and participatory urban transformation.
- The Heritage-Led Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Leveraging historic assets as engines for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
These principles were tested and refined across our 8 pilot cities that have implemented HUB-IN’s methodology. The step-by-step process followed by cities included:
- Defining a shared vision for historic areas through collaboration between policymakers, businesses, and local communities.
- Piloting innovative initiatives focused on cultural, economic, and technological revitalisation.
- Scaling successful approaches by integrating lessons learned into broader urban planning and governance.
Throughout this process, HUB-IN developed valuable resources—including methodological guidelines, business models, and practical tools—which are now available in our Library for cities looking to embark on their own heritage-led transformation journeys. Among the useful content, you can find:
City Storytelling – a collection of narratives showcasing real-world experiences from HUB-IN cities, providing qualitative insights into the challenges and successes of heritage-led regeneration.
City Guidebook – a practical roadmap designed to help cities replicate HUB-IN methodologies, featuring case studies, best practices, and step-by-step implementation strategies.
Leadership Guide – a strategic document aimed at policymakers and city leaders, outlining governance models, financing mechanisms, and key policy recommendations to support long-term urban innovation.
Final Results – more than just a report, this is an invitation to take action, encouraging cities to join the HUB-IN Cities Network. Here you can find practical insights and inspiring stories from our pilot cities and explore real-world applications of heritage-led regeneration.
From Project to Movement: The HUB-IN Cities Network
Despite the end of the project, its legacy continues through the HUB-IN Cities Network, an initiative designed to ensure the long-term expansion and sustainability of the project’s principles. This network builds on the foundation of the Alliance – composed of the 8 pilot cities and 20 follower cities – which have already embraced HUB-IN’s methodology, forming the starting point of a growing movement for heritage-led urban regeneration across Europe. This network aims to:
- Support new cities in applying HUB-IN methodologies.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange through case studies, mentorship programmes, and online resources.
- Strengthen EU-wide alignment with policies such as the New European Bauhaus and the EU Green Deal.
The HUB-IN Cities Network represents a growing community of cities committed to innovation-driven heritage regeneration, fostering cross-border collaboration and shared learning.
Is your city ready to innovate while preserving its heritage? Join the HUB-IN Cities Network and become part of a new era of urban transformation.
What to start learning and getting inspired by the HUB-IN pilot cities? Then join the HUB-IN Academy and enroll in our free courses!
