Open innovation in city of art: The case of laser technologies for conservation in Florence

The field of laser application for the cleaning and restoration of cultural assets is thriving. Ablative-laser technological systems can clean and protect inestimable works of art that are subject to atmospheric agents and degradation over time. This new technology, which has been in development during the last forty years, is now available to restorers and has achieved success for restoration efforts across Europe.In the continuing evolution of the use of lasers for restoration of cultural assets, one important example of innovation is taking place in Florence. Local actors who belong to a creative cluster are engaged in this effort. The objects of our analysis are to detail the genesis of this innovation in the local Florentine context, and to analyse the relationships among the main actors who have contributed in it.This study investigates how culture can play a part in the generation of ideas and innovations, and what types of creative environments favour this generation. In this context, the issue of laser technologies for the restoration of cultural heritage has been analysed as a case of 'open innovation in creative public space', such as city of art. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.