CULTURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND CULTURAL INITIATIVES CHALLENGES IN A NEW CONTEXT

Purpose: The editorial of the Joint Special Issue between PISB - Piccola Impresa - Small Business and the EJCMP - European Journal of Cultural Management and Policy ex- plores how cultural entrepreneurship and initiatives address contemporary challenges, foster innovation, resilience and sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: The editorial synthesizes f indings from nine contributions, using diverse methodologies—including spatial analysis, case studies, and comparative research—focused on cultural ecosystems, governance, entrepreneurship, and heritage-driven development. Findings: Cultural initiatives serve as transformative connectors across sectors, supporting innovation, resilience, and inclusivity. Their impact varies contextually, influenced by governance models, entrepreneurial mindsets, and socio-cultural embeddedness, showing culture’s potential in driving sustainable urban and regional development. Practical and social implications: The studies highlight culture’s capacity to foster equitable development, revitalize urban and peripheral areas, support inclusive governance, and enhance the sustainability of creative ecosystems by linking tradition, innovation, and community engagement. Originality of the study: The editorial presents a unique multi-journal collaboration offering diverse, context-rich perspectives on cultural entrepreneurship, emphasizing the role of culture as a catalyst for systemic transformation in policy, practice, and research.