Entrepreneurship and Cultural Heritage: A Systematic Literature Review at the Intersection of Preservation and Innovation

Abstract

This systematic literature review examines the intersection between entrepreneurship and cultural heritage, based on the analysis of 17 selected scientific articles. The study reveals that social entrepreneurship emerges as a crucial tool for preserving and enhancing cultural heritage while generating economic and social benefits. The importance of adapting entrepreneurial models to local cultural contexts is emphasized, highlighting a "glocal" approach. Tourism plays a central role in this valorization, offering opportunities but also raising questions about preserving authenticity. New theoretical concepts such as "self-gentrification" and "lifestyle mobility" enrich the understanding of the field. Bibliometric analysis shows a predominance of publications in certain countries and the interdisciplinary nature of the research field. Gaps are identified, including the lack of longitudinal studies and limited geographical diversity. The study underscores the potential of entrepreneurship as a tool for cultural heritage preservation, while highlighting the challenges to be addressed, and opens perspectives for future research on the long-term impact of entrepreneurial initiatives in this domain. The findings have practical implications for policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches and community involvement in cultural heritage entrepreneurship. This review contributes to the growing body of knowledge on cultural heritage management by providing a comprehensive overview of current trends, challenges, and opportunities in entrepreneurial approaches to cultural heritage preservation and valorization.