How can innovation create new value for cultural heritage? How can research, technology and regional networks help turn ideas into practical solutions?
These questions shaped the annual conference of the Vogtlandpioniere, held on 6 and 7 October 2026 in Jena, Germany and across the Vogtland region, with MetaHeritage contributing to the programme and discussions.
Under the theme “Mit Pioniergeist zum Mehrwert! Innovationen, Netzwerke und Marktpotenziale für Baukulturerbe und Kulturgutschutz” (Pioneering for Added Value: Innovation, Networks and Market Potential for Built Heritage and Cultural Heritage Protection), the event brought together representatives from research, business, cultural institutions and regional initiatives to exchange experiences and explore new opportunities for heritage-driven innovation.
From research to application: Exploring innovation potential with MetaHeritage
On 6 October, the conference took place at TRAFO in Jena, a former industrial building transformed into a vibrant cultural and meeting space. Four discussion forums explored different dimensions of innovation and value creation in the heritage sector: bringing research prototypes to market, building regional innovation networks, reimagining historic places and developing global markets for cultural heritage protection.
As part of the forum “Globaler Nischenmarkt Kulturgutschutz” (From Niche Market to Global Market: Cultural Heritage Protection), Friedrich Schiller University Jena presented developments and business innovations emerging from the European MetaHeritage project.
The discussion focused on how specialised knowledge and innovative technologies can be translated into economically viable solutions for cultural heritage protection. While national markets may appear limited, the need to preserve and protect cultural assets is global. This creates opportunities for new partnerships, business models and international cooperation.
The exchange also highlighted the importance of strengthening local innovation ecosystems, raising awareness of technological solutions and connecting research expertise with potential users and markets.
Fotos: Thomas Müller
Exploring heritage sites and innovation in the Vogtland region
On 7 October, participants continued the exchange with an organised excursion through the Thuringian and Saxon Vogtland, organised in cooperation with MetaHeritage. The programme offered insights into the regional network and several locations where cultural heritage, research and innovation meet in practice.
The first part of the excursion took participants to Greiz, with visits to:
- Sommerpalais Greiz, a historic cultural heritage site.
- Textilforschungsinstitut Thüringen-Vogtland e.V. (TITV Greiz), showcasing the connection between textile research and innovation.
The journey continued to Lengenfeld in the Saxon Vogtland, where participants visited:
- Wollkontor – Alte Spinnerei & Tuchfabrik Lengenfeld e.V., an initiative dedicated to a historic textile site.
- Textilausrüstung Pfand GmbH, offering insights into the region’s textile industry and its contemporary activities.
The visits illustrated the diverse ways in which industrial heritage, traditional expertise, research and contemporary economic activity can intersect. They also provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the challenges and opportunities involved in preserving historic places while developing new uses and creating regional value.
Fotos: Thomas Müller
Building bridges between heritage, research and business
The two days in Jena and the Vogtland region demonstrated the importance of collaboration across disciplines and sectors. From research-driven innovations and emerging business opportunities to the revitalisation of historic sites, the discussions and visits highlighted the potential of cultural heritage as a driver of regional development.
For MetaHeritage, the event provided a valuable opportunity to share project developments, connect with regional stakeholders and explore how European cooperation can support innovation in cultural heritage protection and management.
We would like to thank the Vogtlandpioniere and all participating organisations and contributors for the inspiring discussions, insights and warm welcome.
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