To make coherent and integrated the action of the Centre and therefore to cover the whole cycle of heritage and cultural activities valorization, it seems appropriate to combine activities on knowledge of cultural heritage and those supporting decision makers with in-depth-analyses of methodological and operative aspects concerning cultural policies. This objective can be accomplished through the sector Tools and methods of cultural policies which includes both activity lines Computing science and cultural heritage and Study, protection and fruition of cultural heritage, as well as the European Observatory on cultural tourism.