Episode 8 of the "Digging Digital" podcast series released: Management in Practice
21/08/2026
The ARCHAEODIGIT project is pleased to announce the release of the eighth episode of its podcast series, "Digging Digital: the ARCHAEODIGIT Podcast." Developed within the framework of the project's training and communication activities, the series explores innovative approaches to the valorisation of archaeological heritage through digital skills, communication, sustainable management, and audience engagement.
Following the thematic structure of the ARCHAEODIGIT Joint Training Courses, the podcast series brings together experts and practitioners to discuss key topics related to the digital transformation and sustainable management of archaeology and cultural heritage. Through conversations and practical examples, the series provides valuable insights for cultural heritage professionals, tourism operators, researchers, students, public authorities, and anyone interested in making archaeological heritage more accessible, resilient, and sustainable.
Episode 8: Management in Practice
The eighth episode continues the exploration of modern heritage management, addressing a crucial topic for the future of cultural heritage: the practical challenges and solutions in the day-to-day administration of an archaeological site.
Hosted by Izabela Del Vechio from the University of Pula, the episode welcomes back Dr. Aljoša Vitasović, Full Professor. Together, they dive deep into the complex dynamics of the experience economy and the delicate, often difficult balance between heritage preservation and tourism development.
During the conversation, Dr. Vitasović explores several key concepts:
- The Experience Economy: He unpacks the crucial difference between merely offering an "experience" and truly creating added value for today’s highly informed tourists, who expect destinations to exceed their expectations.
- Authenticity and Context: The discussion highlights why traditional, top-down education at sites isn't always effective. Instead, placing heritage into a memorable, engaging context is the true key to creating a lasting and meaningful tourist experience.
- Walking the Thin Line: Dr. Vitasović addresses the constant, daily struggle to commercialize a destination without degrading or trivializing its cultural and historical worth, warning against the pitfalls of "staged" authenticity.
- Quantifying Heritage: Through a fascinating economic perspective—including a thought experiment involving the Pula amphitheatre—he explains how sustainable management and continuous use make archaeological sites truly priceless for future generations.
Continuing the journey through digital archaeology
"Digging Digital: the ARCHAEODIGIT Podcast" consists of 20 episodes, organised into thematic modules reflecting the project's training programme. Future episodes will continue exploring digital communication, innovative technologies, archaeological park management, heritage interpretation, audience engagement, sustainable tourism, and collaborative approaches to preserving and promoting archaeological heritage across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
The podcast series represents another step in ARCHAEODIGIT's commitment to strengthening the skills of professionals working in archaeology and cultural heritage while encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange among institutions, researchers, tourism stakeholders, public authorities, and local communities.
