How can heritage skills unlock the full potential of European regions?

Elena Raevskikh holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from EHESS and a degree in Public International Law from Moscow State University. Beyond being Head of the Research and Analysis Unit of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, she leads and co-develops CultureSTATS-AD, the first initiative of its kind in the MENA region dedicated to creating tailored qualitative and quantitative measurements for Abu Dhabi’s culture sector. Since 2020, her team has produced more than 20 research reports, including the landmark Abu Dhabi Cultural Activities Baseline Report (2021), several in-depth studies on creative ecosystems, and economic analyses of the emirate’s culture sector, with findings published in leading international journals such as Quality & Quantity and Nature. Her work has also shaped the biennial Abu Dhabi Culture Population Survey, the region’s first Register of Cultural Organizations and Professionals, and new heritage and cultural destination indicators. At the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, she collaborates with UNESCO, OECD, IFACCA, ENCATC, WCCF, and the World Economic Forum, linking local practice with global dialogues on culture, sustainability, and innovation.