Preface
In times of profound societal transformation and external challenges, local cultural heritage emerges not only as a repository of collective memory, but also as a strategic resource for sustainable community development. For Ukraine, which is undergoing simultaneous processes of decentralization, digitalization, and post-crisis recovery, the effective management of local cultural heritage has acquired renewed urgency. This monograph responds to that urgency by offering a structured, interdisciplinary analysis of the policies, practices, and innovations shaping local heritage governance.
The work brings together theoretical frameworks and practical models, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of heritage preservation and public administration. Drawing on European and international standards, we explore mechanisms for aligning local heritage strategies with broader social, legal, and economic goals. Special attention is paid to the case of Poland – a post-socialist EU member state whose governance trajectory offers valuable insights for Ukraine and other countries navigating similar transitions.
This monograph may also be of interest to international scholars exploring heritage governance in borderland, postsocialist, or crisis-affected contexts. The Ukrainian case reveals how cultural heritage is not only a matter of identity preservation but also a tool for local development, civic mobilization, and institutional trust-building. This makes Ukraine’s experience particularly relevant for comparative research, international collaboration, and the design of adaptive overnance models in volatile environments.
Recognizing the role of branding, digital tools, and community engagement in rethinking heritage, the monograph devotes a dedicated section to innovative approaches in promoting and interpreting cultural assets. We also address the growing importance of digital transformation, crisis resilience, and public-private partnerships in heritage management – topics
that are often underrepresented in academic literature.
The structure of the book allows the reader to move from foundational concepts to strategic implementation, from advocacy to policy development, and finally to evaluation and impact assessment. The inclusion of newly added chapters on digital governance and performance indicators reflects our intent to integrate heritage discourse with contemporary public policy trends. This monograph is intended for scholars, local government officials, cultural policy makers, heritage professionals, and community leaders. We hope it contributes not only to the academic debate, but also to real-world decisionmaking processes in the field of cultural heritage management.
We extend our gratitude to all institutions, communities, and experts whose insights, practices, and perseverance continue to shape a more inclusive and resilient heritage landscape. In particular, we owe special thanks to the Sandal Private Museum at the Fil. Dr. Jan-U. Sandal Institute, which has provided not only inspiration but also a living example of how
cultural heritage can be preserved and interpreted with vision and dedication. The museum’s unique collection and its mission of safeguarding knowledge across generations have deeply
influenced our reflections on the role of heritage in times of societal change.
Our sincere appreciation also goes to Professor Jan-U. Sandal, whose intellectual generosity, encouragement, and long-standing commitment to advancing knowledge in the humanities and social sciences have been invaluable to the development of this work. His scholarly and personal example serves as a reminder that heritage, when nurtured with integrity and creativity, becomes a bridge between cultures, epochs, and communities. Without such support and inspiration, the scope and depth of this monograph would not have been possible.