How Digitalization Saved 2020 European Capitals of Culture

The objective of this work is to identify the strategies of digitalization embraced by the European Capitals of Culture 2020 (ECoC) in replying to the limitations due to COVID-19 emergence and to understand how digital technologies have impacted on their communities by developing resilience and innovation. This study aims to fill this important gap by analysing, firstly, the effects of the digitalization level of ECoC 2020 and, secondly, the impact of COVID-19 on the digitalization choices of ECoC. In particular, it is relevant to examine the role of COVID-19 as it has disclosed the vulnerability of the cultural sector. This study contributes to the academic literature by providing a better understanding of the level of resilience generated vis-à-vis the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of digital technologies in promoting participation in culture and implementing cultural initiatives of ECoCs. In the EU, the Coronavirus health emergency has badly affected the activities of the 2020 designated ECoC. Moreover, a Decision adopted by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council adopted a Decision that modified the calendar of the European Capitals of Culture . In other words, both 2020 ECoC found in a turning point: either succumb to the pandemic crisis or bounce back to express resilience and creativity by re-imagining digitally their cultural programmes. However, despite the relevance of the topic, the attention from the academic literature on the topic of digitalization in cultural and creative industries is still limited. Moreover, even more limited is the knowledge about the effects of digital technologies and if their opportunities are actually transformed in positive outcomes. This paper aims to fill this gap through an exploratory multiple case study methodology. As a suitable investigative tool for the analysis of a contemporary phenomenon in their natural settings, case study methodology allows to integrate evidences resulting from multiple sources (Yin, 2006, 2008; Eisenhardt, 1989). Data collection, monitoring and analysis rely on the combination of Web-based desk analysis and social big data analytics. The integration of such sources has been addressed towards the investigation of the strategies of digitalization undertaken by the two ECoC cities, Galway in Ireland and Rijeka in Croatia, respectively. Evidences in terms re-organization of the cultural projects, digitalization of the tourist experiences, commitment of local communities and visitors have been derived from the study while the cross comparison of the two cases has allowed to identify common and specific patterns.