## 5 Conclusions  
This paper provides a comprehensive review of both conventional and innovative techniques for monitoring cultural heritage structures, as well as strategies for data management. Special emphasis is placed on innovative techniques, displaying the potential of smart-sensing technologies, including fibre optic sensors, self-sensing materials, and image- and computer vision-based approaches, such as photogrammetry and infrared thermography. Furthermore, this paper highlights the significance of data management in modern structural health monitoring (SHM) architecture. It discusses the implementation of IoT-SHM systems, the utilization of machine learning algorithms, and the integration of building information modelling (BIM) to effectively manage and analyse the collected data. These advanced data management strategies contribute to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of SHM practices in the context of cultural heritage structures. From the paper's comprehensive state-of-the-art review, it is evident that SHM has progressed, with advancements in smart-sensing and digitalization technologies; however, its adoption in cultural heritage structures remains fragmented. In fact, despite these new technologies possessing several advantages for the SHM of heritage structures (e.g., small invasiveness) and their management (e.g., automatic warnings), practitioners still encounter many difficulties in bringing them into practice. Challenges include sensor overload, unreliable networking, data compression and transmission, energy consumption, storage costs, environmental effects, and difficulties dealing with sensor and methodological heterogeneity due to diversity regarding materials and complexity in CHS. Finally, although the literature includes standards and guidelines regarding the use of SHM in civil structures, very few recommendations oriented to CHS are available; thus, more efforts in this direction are required. However, it must also be considered that since each heritage structure embodies characteristics of uniqueness and originality, it is not always possible, or even recommended, to adopt standardised approaches. However, general indications can be provided based on exemplars and successful case studies. Undoubtedly, the proper adoption of innovative techniques can aim to go beyond the difficulties in obtaining and managing information regarding the structural response of historical constructions. New perspectives in regards to the structural health monitoring and management of cultural heritage structures have emerged, including the utilization of advanced multi-sensor data fusions and data analysis techniques for monitoring their condition. These techniques provide real-time data on the structural integrity of the building, facilitating timely maintenance and repair. Future work should be directed towards low-cost and efficient solutions for integrating innovative SHM systems into retrofitting interventions tailored for cultural heritage structures. There is also a growing focus on employing sustainable materials and technologies in managing these structures, combining traditional conservation methods with modern technologies to ensure the preservation of these historic structures for future generations. This research was funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the [PERSON] grant agreement No. 896300, \"STRETCH--Smart Textiles for REtrofitting and Monitoring of Cultural Heritage Buildings\". No new data were created in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article. The authors declare no conflict of interest.