Abstract: In order to explore the pathways to realizing the value of cultural heritage data elements, enhance the efficiency of data management and application, provide theoretical support for the digital protection and innovative utilization of cultural heritage, and provide replicable experience for relevant policy formulation and practice, this study selected 50 typical “Data Element X” projects in the cultural heritage sector and collected descriptive texts pertaining to these initiatives. Following the grounded theory methodology, the project texts were coded and analyzed, ultimately leading to the construction of a process model for value realization of cultural heritage data elements. This study finds that data management, project planning and scenario application are the key driving forces in this process. Driven by the three forces, the standardization foundation is consolidated by data management power, the dynamic integration of elements is promoted by project overall planning power, and multi-dimensional value is released by scene application power. This forms a third-order pathway of “foundation construction-element integration-value jump”, which ultimately contributes to constructing a three-dimensional value network of “core scene-derivative ecology-cultural community”.

Key words: Cultural heritage, Value of data elements, "Data Elements ×" contest, Realization path, Driving factors