Impact of Training Programmes on International Heritage Cooperation
Panteia has conducted research on behalf of the Netherlands Cultural Heritage Agency (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed) to assess the impact of three training programmes on international heritage cooperation. These programmes are Urban Heritage Strategies, Sharing Stories on Contested Histories, and UNESCO training on the Protection and Management of Underwater Cultural Heritage.
The three training courses took place during the 2021–2024 policy period and involved participants from various countries. Central to the research were the questions: ‘What has been done and achieved at the stakeholder level?’ and ‘What lessons have been learned that can inform future policymaking?’
The research included a survey among both participants and trainers, interviews with twelve participants, and desk research. Panteia drew on its extensive experience in conducting (online) surveys and interviews to carry out this study.
The findings demonstrate that the three training programmes had a clear impact on the participants. Participants reported changes in their knowledge, skills, perspectives, relationships, and behaviour. Nearly all respondents expressed positive views on their participation and would recommend the training courses to their colleagues. The courses also facilitated new collaborations in the international heritage sector; nearly half of the respondents indicated that their participation had led to the development of concrete new projects.
Participation in the training programmes has also contributed to changes within the international heritage sector. Many participants were able to apply and disseminate the knowledge gained during their professional activities and share it with colleagues, students, and stakeholders in the field. Additionally, participants expanded their professional networks, with half of them now engaging in different types of collaborations than before the training. This renewed collaboration is highly valued, with 99% of participants agreeing with the statement: ‘Collaborating with professionals from other organisations and countries adds value to my work.’
The study led to four key recommendations:
- Consider continuing the international heritage training programmes.
- Preserve and maintain the new connections and expanded network.
- Assess the impact of other elements within the International Heritage (IE) programme.
- Ensure continuous evaluation of the impact of the training programmes.
The full report can be downloaded here.
