APPLIED CULTURAL STUDIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITALIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: UPCYCLING AS A SOCIOCULTURAL PRACTICE

Abstract

The paper presents an overview of recent publications examining the interaction of applied cultural studies,
digital culture, and sustainable development strategies. The aim of the research is to identify the characteristics of
upcycling as a sociocultural practice under digitalization and sustainable development, to outline methodological
approaches of applied cultural studies, to analyze empirical cases, challenges, and prospects. The study combines
theoretical, semiotic, and empirical analysis to explore upcycling across educational and community practices.
Results. The analysis reveals that upcycling acts as an effective mechanism for SDG 11 and SDG 12 implementation,
forming new ecological aesthetics and models of cultural communication in the digital environment. The study outlines key
trends in the development of sustainable cultural practices in Ukraine and worldwide, emphasizing the contribution of creative
industries and digital platforms. Novelty. The paper introduces an interdisciplinary framework connecting digital culture,
circular economy, and applied cultural studies in the Ukrainian context.
Practical significance. The study combines theoretical, semiotic, and empirical analysis to explore upcycling
across educational and community practices in Ukraine. The findings can be useful for cultural policy developers,
educators, and practitioners creating grant projects and sustainable creative initiatives.