ECoCNetwork is an international project that connects the economy, educational institutions, and young people from European Capitals of Culture (ECoC). The main goal of the project is to gather best practices and develop common ideas for linking young people with green, digital, and creative companies, as well as with entrepreneurial support environments.
Connecting Youth, Entrepreneurship, and Culture for the Future
The project is funded by the European Union from the Small Projects Fund GO! 2025 of the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia 2021-2027 Programme, managed by EGTC GO.
www.ita-slo.eu, www.euro-go.eu/spf

News and Events of the ECoCNetwork Project
Exchange of best practices among European Capitals of Culture.

Announcing Event 3: Discussion on Best Practices
• Improved collaboration with businesses
• Youth activation
International Hackathon of European Capitals of Culture
Follow the International Hackathon of European Capitals of Culture, taking place in October 2025 in Nova Gorica, the city that, together with Gorizia, holds the title of European Capital of Culture 2025. This unique event will bring together young people, entrepreneurs, creators, and tech enthusiasts from across Europe in a creative environment to tackle the challenges of the future.
What is the goal of the hackathon?
The hackathon will be a space for innovation, where participants will collaboratively seek solutions in the following areas:
Green Transformation
How can technology and culture support the sustainable development of cities?
Digitalization
Developing digital tools to enhance accessibility to culture and the arts.
Creative Industries
Connecting culture and entrepreneurship to create new opportunities.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop ideas and solutions that contribute to the sustainable vision of the European Capitals of Culture.
Event Program
October 2025
Nova Gorica, Slovenia
48 hours of intensive collaboration and creation
The main activities will include: an introductory presentation of the challenges and goals of the hackathon, work in interdisciplinary teams with international participation, presentation of solutions to a professional jury, final awards ceremony, and social networking.
The Hackathon of European Capitals of Culture is not just a competition—it is an opportunity for collaboration, learning, and creating a sustainable legacy that will shape the future of culture, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Want to learn more? Get in touch with us!
Do you have an idea on how to combine culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship? Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the international story of European Capitals of Culture and contribute to shaping the future of Nova Gorica and Europe.
Learning from Best Practices
Connecting past experiences to shape a better future.
European Capitals of Culture are a key source of inspiration for young people and entrepreneurs. Within the ECoCNetwork project, we will use the experiences of past cities to create new solutions for Nova Gorica – European Capital of Culture 2025 and future ECoCs.
Matera (Italy)
- “Traditional heritage as an inspiration for contemporary creativity.”
- Theme: Art and urban regeneration.
Tartu (Estonia)
- “Digital transformation opens doors to new dimensions of creativity.”
- Theme: Digitalization and the environment.
Bodø (Norway)
- “Culture in harmony with nature.”
- Theme: Sustainable art and community.
Bad Ischl (Austria)
- “Cultural heritage as a bridge between the past and the future.”
- Theme: Rural regeneration through culture.
Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and Gorizia (Italy)
- “Connecting two cities, two countries, and two cultures for a shared future.”
- Theme: Collaboration and cultural unification.anje in združevanje kultur.
Chemnitz (Germany)
- “Past and future meet in creativity.”
- Theme: Revitalization of industrial areas.
Oulu (Finland)
- “With innovation, we create a better world for everyone.”
- Theme: Technology and youth inclusion.
Évora (Portugal)
- “Cultural traditions as inspiration for contemporary solutions.”
- Theme: Revitalizing traditions through innovation
How do we learn from the past for the future?
The experiences of these cities teach us how culture can:
Connect young people and the economy
Create new jobs and opportunities through art and technology.
Support sustainable development
Develop solutions that combine nature, community, and innovation.
Strengthen international cooperation
Connect cities for shared goals and projects.
Contacts
Are you interested in learning more about the ECoCNetwork project? Get in touch with us.