Research Grant from the “Science for the Development of Society” Programme for the Team from the Department of Management at WSB University

WSB University will implement a 2.5-year research project entitled “Design and Pilot Implementation of an Innovative Business Model for the Use of Cultural Heritage in Partnerships between Academia and the Socio-economic Environment.” The University has received PLN 886,325 in funding for the project from the “Science for the Development of Society” programme, funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

The project was prepared and will be implemented by a team comprising: Professor Zdzisława Dacko-Pikiewicz, Rector of WSB University; Professor Joanna Kurowska-Pysz; Dr Lubomira Trojan; Dr Piotr Krowicki; and Fryderyk Pryjma, a doctoral student at the Doctoral School of WSB University.

Partners cooperating with WSB University in the implementation of the project:

• Silesian Voivodeship
• Jasienica Commune
• SERFENTA Association in Cieszyn
• DOBRA ZAGRODA Foundation in Brenna
• MOUNTAINOUS AREAS BRANDS COALITION Association in Żywiec

The aim of the project is to develop, test through a pilot scheme, and subsequently validate and disseminate an innovative business model based on intangible cultural heritage. The model will support the creative sectors in responsibly transforming heritage resources into innovative products and services. The conclusions drawn from the research will contribute to increasing innovation and entrepreneurship, greater appreciation of intangible cultural heritage, and improving the quality of life of local communities.

The research approach adopted in the project is based on inter-organisational cooperation and knowledge flows within the Quintuple Helix model. In this way, the project aligns with the research activities of the Q-Helix European Universities Alliance, led by WSB University.

The implementation of the project will also contribute to expanding the research programme of the Regional Design Observatory, which WSB University co-creates with its partners: Cieszyn Castle and Katowice Miasto Ogrodów – the Krystyna Bochenek Cultural Institution, as part of the project “PPO WSL 2030. Establishment of the Regional Innovation Observatory,” co-financed by the European Union under the European Funds for Silesia 2021–2027 programme.