BRIDGING HERITAGE AND INNOVATION: COLLABORATIVE FUTURES FOR HISTORIC URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD THROUGH PATRIOTTA AND HIRSCH’S ART WORLD FRAMEWORK

This paper develops a framework to explore Art World (Becker, 1982) innovation by integrating cultural network, focusing on how cooperative links and conventions shape creative production, as introduced by Patriotta and Hirsch’s (2006). It emphasizes the role of social types and boundary-spanning actors inside cultural ecosystem. As part of a broader project, the research group is collaborating to develop an innovative framework for the management and governance of cultural assets. This research endeavour aims to establish a methodological approach that leverages scientific data on cultural heritage to facilitate knowledge acquisition, cultural enrichment, and societal revitalization. This paper presents the initial findings of our ongoing research project, aimed at elucidating the contextual intricacies and cultural dynamics inherent in the Celio District, a heritage-rich yet socially fragmented neighbourhood located in the historic centre of Rome, Italy. Employing a case study methodology with data from interviews, participant observations, and network mapping, it examines the roles of key stakeholders categorized as mainstreamers, mavericks, amphibious actors, and outsiders in driving cultural innovation and community building. Findings illustrate how these roles interact and evolve, highlight the dynamic interplay between these actors, revealing both opportunities for collaboration and challenges posed by social boundaries, resource disparities, and fragmented governance. This study investigates how collaborative networks among diverse stakeholders can drive cultural and urban renewal. By situating these findings within a broader cultural innovation framework, the research addresses a gap in the literature on micro-level dynamics in heritage management. This study seeks to demonstrate how stakeholder mapping and collaborative networks can foster inclusivity, strengthen community ties, and inform sustainable cultural and urban development policies. The proposed framework offers theoretical and practical insights, with potential applications to similar contexts globally. Finally, the research seeks to identify which stakeholders can contribute to urban regeneration and highlights the potential for future initiatives led by institutional actors, such as public administrations, to establish mechanisms that improve the quality of life within the district.