Advancing IS strategy for Natural History museums with method engineering in the digital age

Abstract

The evolution of information systems and technologies (IS/IT) has driven a fundamental transformation of services and processes within various types of organizations. Specifically, technologies such as AI, virtual reality, augmented reality, big data, drones, cloud, 3D printers and IoT have originated the phenomenon in literature known as digital transformation. Digital transformation (DT) is a strategic, organization-wide approach that brings together process, technology and people. It is not just a matter of technological investment, but of considering improved ways of implementing the organisation’s mission, rethinking its core functions to benefit from digital. Over the last decades, museums have also been committed to digital innovation, although at a slower pace than other sectors, so that today many museums are still far from reaching a high level of digital maturity. In such circumstances, the strategic planning of DT and the right leadership for deploying digital projects, are crucial to establish guidelines, objectives and strategic projects that support the achievement of museum’s mission and enhance their relevance in today’s society. In order to explore such a strategic approach, theMuseu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona (MCNB) and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) are cooperating in an applied research project, approved and funded by the Industrial Doctorate Programme of the Generalitat de Catalunya, resulting in a method for the strategic planning of DT initiatives in Natural History Museums, as well as the first DT plan for the collections area of the MCNB.