Networked Heritage, found that devolution from central government has created an impetus for local areas to establish distinctive local identities.  The report identifies five principles which will enable places to better use heritage to differentiate themselves.  

The findings are the culmination of two years’ work on heritage, identity and place carried out by the RSA and supported by HLF. The research focused on three cities: Bristol, Manchester and Dundee.

The work has already influenced the development of HLF and Arts Council England's Great Place Scheme - a pilot programme of funding, announced in the Culture White Paper, which puts ‘networked heritage’ into action, working across the heritage and arts sectors.

This research is now available for places to draw upon when submitting applications to the scheme, which is now open until 2 January 2017. Successful projects will be announced in spring 2017.

The full research is available on the RSA website.