The Digital Horizon : A Study of the Digitalisation of Swedish Museums and the Policies Governing Them in the 21st Century

Sammanfattning

This thesis examines the intersection of digitalisation efforts within Swedish museums, cultural heritage policies, and academic research to understand their mutual influences and potential challenges. By employing a Hermeneutic method to analyse policy documents and conducting interviews with museum professionals, this research investigates how digitalisation is talked about in policy documents, research and how it is utilised in museums, and if there is a connection of information between these parties. The aim is to shed light on the extent to which the findings and insights obtained from research are being utilised in the real-world context of Swedish museums and policies. While Swedish policymakers advocate digital transformation to enhance accessibility, engagement, and preservation, findings suggest a complex reality in which museum professionals navigate limited resources and communication gaps with governing agencies. These contrasts highlight a need for stronger collaboration and communication among policymakers, museum professionals, and researchers to harness digitalisation's potential fully. In response, this thesis advocates for increased knowledge-sharing and strengthened communications to bridge these divides and foster digital competence within the museum sector. This study contributes to the academic discourse on digital cultural heritage by underscoring the importance of clear policy frameworks that reflect both scholarly insights and the operational realities faced by museums, ultimately suggesting pathways toward a more integrated and sustainable approach to digitalisation in cultural heritage institutions.