Digital Innovation in Culture

The Digital Innovation in Culture Observatory has been established with the aim of supporting the adoption of digital innovation in cultural institutions and to provide a location for the various players of the cultural ecosystem to meet and share experiences. The objective is to:

• provide a systemic vision of digital innovation in conservation, enhancement, management, promotion, marketing, and use processes to promote the advancement of the cultural ecosystem;
• monitor digital trends within the sector;
• facilitate an alignment between digital innovation in culture demand and offer sides;
• raise awareness among stakeholders and decision-makers towards a sustainable Digital Transformation in the culture sector.

Digital Innovation in Culture Observatory Research

Research conducted by the Digital Innovation in Culture Observatory as part of the annual Edition includes the following activities:

• analysis of the state of adoption and spread of digital resources and skills in cultural institutions focused on new technologies (Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Metaverse...);
• study of innovative business and revenue models, in particular ticketing, donation, and fundraising systems, Income from Ancillary Services and cross-selling and multichannel strategies;
• analysis of the reaction of cultural institutions to the challenges such as sustainability, accessibility, and inclusiveness;
• identify training gaps and cultural sector needs for digital capacity building;
• analysis of the characteristics and of possible uses of cultural products, to provide useful information to cultural institutions;
• analysis of international digital innovation trends in the cultural sector through in depth examination and comparison of successful innovation process cases.

Two quantitative surveys will be conducted to explore the point of view of cultural institutions: i) investigation of Italian museums, monuments, and archaeological areas and ii) investigation of Italian theaters. In addition, the study of trends will be enriched through interviews with national and international institutions and through the study of relevant innovation in Culture cases.

The research results are also fruit of frequent meetings with the Community of Partners, Sponsors, and Cultural Institutions with which the Digital Innovation in Culture Observatory interacts throughout the year in dedicated meetings and through interviews.