On 25 September 2025, Andreea Leru (North-East Romania Regional Development Agency) represented ERRIN at a meeting with international organisations and networks to discuss digital transformation in cultural heritage. The meeting highlighted key challenges, including skills gaps, standardisation needs and AI-related data issues affecting platforms such as Europeana.

Several initiatives were showcased, including Twin it! 3D for Europe’s culture, UNESCO Dive into Heritage and the Common European Data Space for Cultural Heritage. The event gathered organisations actively implementing digitalisation projects using AI, VR/XR, 3D, data spaces and digital twins.

Andreea Leru presented ERRIN’s work on digitisation, emphasising regional perspectives on EU digital policies, including the AI Continent Action Plan and the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDICs). ERRIN also supports members in raising awareness of digitalisation opportunities through projects such as Living-in.EU, which fosters collaboration among cities and regions.

Insights from ERRIN’s Cultural Heritage and ICT Working Groups were shared, highlighting the potential of the European Data Space for Cultural Heritage and regional readiness for the digital transition. Case studies from the CHARTER project, in which ERRIN was a partner (Tuscany, the Basque Country, Sibiu, Alentejo, Bremen and Västra Götaland), revealed challenges such as limited infrastructure, digital skills and resources. Nevertheless, regions have proven to be effective laboratories for hybrid learning and upskilling initiatives.

Participating organisations included BlueShield, ICOMOS, EHRI-ERIC, Europeana, IFLA, NEMO, UNESCO Liaison Office in the EU, Time Machine Organisation and Wikimedia Sweden. ERRIN aims to maintain connections with these networks for future events, particularly within the Cultural Heritage and ICT Working Groups, to promote regional engagement and innovation in digital heritage.