ABSTRACT

The paper proposes a theoretical reflection on the competences and skills required in the perspective of conservation as a process, which involves multiple subjects and stakeholders. This change has been discussed over recent years as a development on the reflections concerning preventive conservation, which is increasingly focused on the economic component linked to community involvement, strong sustainable development, knowledge and the sharing economy. Understanding heritage as playing the role of connecting people and creating local and long-lasting networks means that professionals will be more and more required to develop soft skills, which will be necessary to create the best possible conservation professional.