City Case Description: Matera & Crafts Led Innovation

How does “prototyping” work?

This City Case Description is the outcome of a policy prototyping exercise within a city ecosystem.
Once the ekip research team has explored a policy area and its connection to cultural and creative
industries (CCIs) and innovation, we ask: what would this mean in a local city context?

Together with local stakeholders, we test how a draft policy recommendation might stimulate innovation. Using Portfolio Sensemaking, stakeholders simulate an innovation portfolio, analyse the strengths and gaps of the local support system, and identify what resources are needed to realise the portfolio.

Matera Context & Area of Focus

Matera (Italy) is a UNESCO World Heritage City and former European Capital of Culture, it already holds strong international visibility, existing cultural infrastructure, and a creative community. However, much of the infrastructure and equipment from ECoC (e.g., Open Design School) has been underused or lost continuity due to lack of long-term planning, management, and the COVID-19 crisis.

There is no current regional or city-level strategy focused on crafts and innovation, nor a coherent policy dialogue with regional institutions.

There is a shared recognition that Matera needs a “Space for Connection” — a hub (physical and/or
digital) linking crafts, technology, education, and tourism. The vision is bottom-up, inclusive, open
to registered and non-registered artisans, and based on collaboration rather than ownership. The model could evolve as a network of flexible “pop-up” spaces, supported by a digital platform that maps actors, connects opportunities, and facilitates access to equipment and skills.