26. Social Innovation—a Key Driver for Cultural Sustainability

Sometimes regarded as not only one of the dimensions of sustainability but even the central pillar of sustainable development, cultural sustainability is itself an agent, lever and catalyst for non-destructive socio-economic and demographic transformation. Defined as the ability to preserve the cultural identity and to ensure consistency and congruency between the future developments and the cultural value of a community, achieving cultural sustainability seems a continuously increasing challenge in the current global socio-demographic landscape. In the context of highly unpredictable and uncontrollable challenges stemming from the local as well as global environment, this paper looks into the potential of social innovation, through its intrinsic features, to serve the strategic objectives of preserving cultural values and heritage, at local level. Also, it may prove a valuable lever to reconcile social, economic and cultural interests and challenges critical to local sustainable development. Beside some theoretical considerations, the authors will draw on available good practice examples from the Romanian as well as international experience.