Linnaeus University Participates in the Swedish National Heritage Board’s Initiative on Cultural Heritage Research

In 2026, the Swedish National Heritage Board will conduct a survey of the cultural heritage sector’s most pressing research needs for the next five to ten years. The aim is to strengthen the sector’s ability to address future societal challenges, such as climate change and preparedness.

The work is divided into six themes and carried out by universities and government agencies in collaboration with professionals. Linnaeus University has been chosen to focus on the area of cultural heritage and social sustainability.

Developing the Cultural Heritage Sector
Anders Högberg, Professor of Archaeology, leads the work together with colleagues Cornelius Holtorf and Gustav Wollentz. All three are members of the UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures at Linnaeus University. Ulrika Söderström from Kalmar County Museum is also involved.

- It’s great that our research is recognized as important enough to receive this kind of assignment. Overall, the work will provide a foundation for significant development in the cultural heritage sector, particularly in terms of advancing ideas about cultural heritage processes as future-shaping, says Anders Högberg.

Cultural Heritage and Social Sustainability
The work involves compiling existing knowledge within the theme of cultural heritage and social sustainability, as well as proposing new research needed for the sector to develop its approach to these issues.

- Future generations will face challenges we cannot foresee today. They will act based on what matters in their lives. When they do, they will reinterpret their past—which is the time we live in now—and give it new meanings. Therefore, the cultural heritage sector needs to develop knowledge about how its work can enable future generations to act in ways that make their societies socially sustainable, Anders explains.

He adds that an example of social sustainability could be when a citizen perspective is integrated into the redevelopment of a neighborhood. This can be achieved by creating cultural heritage processes that foster a sense of belonging, participation, and inclusion—both now and in the future.

The work will be carried out during 2026 and will result in research articles and a report providing the cultural heritage sector with an overview of current research in the field and inspiration for new studies.

All six themes in the Swedish National Heritage Board’s initiative:

• Cultural Heritage and Social Sustainability (Linnaeus University)
• Cultural Heritage and Preparedness Issues (Swedish Defence Research Agency)
• Cultural Heritage and Climate Change (Umeå University)
• Cultural Heritage and Digitalization (Uppsala University)
• Cultural Heritage and Management (Swedish National Heritage Board)
• Cultural Heritage, Urban Planning, and Energy Transition (Karlstad University and University of Gothenburg)