Research and Development

The aim is to focus our resources on research and development project that articulate and strengthen this historical and humanist perspectives in efforts to achieve sustainable development. We support research that provides the historic environment sector and adjoining fields in society with the strength to work on a long-term basis as well as that provides inspiration of ongoing processes of change.

The projects are often interdisciplinary, run in collaboration between scholars from different scientific fields. The research and development supported by the Swedish National Heritage Board may be carried out by both external research institutions – primarily universities and university-colleges – and by the Board itself. External scholars usually undertake research tasks, while projects of a developmental character are handled directly by the Board.

This research is characterized by that it

1. gathers, synthesises and formats knowledge necessary for heritage governance,
2. explores ways in which humanist and historical perspectives can contribute towards a sustainable society and in so doing helps to enhance the value of the cultural heritage by society at large,
3. supports and develops heritage governance so that it can operate on an inter-sectoral basis and satisfy the need for special knowledge in heritage conservation,
4. places the heritage issue in relevant sectors of society and academic subject fields. Research must be inter- and multidisciplinary, promote R&D integrating several sectors of society, such as the environment, energy, technology and social perspectives. Research must also develop communications knowledge, historical didactics and knowledge concerning ways in which the cultural heritage can be communicated and received.
5. takes as its starting point a research programme which is proactive, flexible and needs-driven. In order for the programme to measure to this aim, it will be devised on a basis of wide-ranging partnership between the NHB and representatives of the academic community and of County Administrative Boards and county museums.
6. employs research communication whereby findings are disseminated and used and the research process can be opened up for a dialogue with project observers in the heritage sector.