KreativEU Publishes White Paper on AI and Cultural Heritage
An expert team from KreativEU – the European consortium in which BUas participates – has published a white paper examining the relationship between artificial intelligence, sustainability, and European cultural heritage. The document provides a shared conceptual foundation for the multidisciplinary 'WP5' expert team.
- Global engagement
- Data Science & AI
About KreativEU's WP5
Work Package 5 brings together AI specialists, heritage professionals, ethicists, and sustainability experts to develop AI systems rooted in European values. Through hackathons, summer schools, and challenge-based projects, the team works towards creating at least 12 AI systems at various stages of development by 2028, alongside establishing the KreativEU Smart Sustainability Think Tank.
The white paper addresses four key areas:
- Defining AI clearly
The paper proposes a working definition: "An Artificial Intelligence System is a digital tool that can perform tasks in a way that resembles (some) human cognitive abilities." This framing acknowledges both capabilities and limitations.
- Ethical principles
Drawing on frameworks from UNESCO, the OECD, and EU bodies, the paper identifies core principles including human autonomy, prevention of harm, fairness, transparency, accountability, and sustainability. It explores what these mean in practice across Europe's diverse contexts.
- Sustainability considerations
The paper examines AI's environmental impact—energy consumption, water use, electronic waste, and material sourcing—whilst exploring how AI relates to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Cultural heritage protection
The document examines how AI affects both tangible heritage (monuments, artefacts) and intangible heritage (languages, traditions, practices), addressing risks of cultural homogenisation whilst identifying preservation opportunities.
A living document
This white paper evolves as the WP5 team progresses through its activities. It serves both as an internal working tool and as an invitation for stakeholders across Europe to contribute to the work.
The document supports WP5's aim: ensuring AI development considers European cultural diversity and values, rather than simply accepting technological change without reflection.