Survey on World-Class Science and Technology Museums and the Future Forms and Functions

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. Science and technology museums worldwide are entering a new phase of transformation. This survey aims to understand your views on world-class science and technology museums and your expectations for the forms and functions of next-generation science and technology museums. The questionnaire is anonymous, and your responses will be used solely for our research project. It should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your participation!
I.Basic Information
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Type of your organization (please check one):

Science and technology museum (science center)
Other type of organization (please specify):
Position：    
Years in this position：*

II. World-Class Science and Technology Museums

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Please list, in order from 1 to 5, the world-class science and technology museums that you consider to be primarily focused on interactive experiences. Note: please write out the FULL name of each museum
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What factors are important for a science and technology museum to become world-class? Please rank the following factors from most to least important.[Please sort the items]
  • A. Visitor service metrics (e.g., total attendance, visitors as a proportion of the local population, and repeat-visit rate)
  • B. Originality and renewal of exhibits (e.g., the number and proportion of newly added exhibits developed in-house each year)
  • C. Reach of educational programs (e.g., number of schools reached and total online and on-site participation)
  • D. Agenda-setting and standard-setting influence (e.g., shaping public discussions and developing standards)
  • E. Outcomes of collaboration among museums, universities, research institutions, and industry (e.g., number of joint R&D projects and research outcomes translated into practical applications)
  • F. Digital and smart-service capabilities (e.g., visits to virtual exhibitions and use of smart guide services)
  • G. International influence (e.g., number of international conferences hosted or attended and exhibitions presented overseas)
  • H. Years of operation and scale
  • I. Leadership capabilities and influence
  • J. Other (please specify):
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Please list, in order from 1 to 5, the world-class science and technology museums that you consider to be primarily focused on collecting and displaying scientific and technological objects.

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What are the main factors currently preventing some science and technology museums in your home country from becoming world-class?[Choose at most 3 items and sort them]
  • A. Limited capacity to develop original exhibitions and educational programs
  • B. Shortage of specialized research professionals and underdeveloped research systems
  • C. Rigid operating mechanisms and a lack of market-based incentives
  • D. Low level of internationalization, with limited international exchange and cooperation
  • E. Slow response to emerging technologies
  • F. Insufficient funding or inefficient use of funds
  • G. Other (please specify):

III. Future Forms and Functions of Science and Technology Museums

The development of science and technology museums can be broadly divided into three stages. First-generation museums focused on collecting historical treasures and presenting static displays. Second-generation museums introduced interactive electromechanical exhibits. Third-generation museums placed greater emphasis on visitor experience and inquiry-based interaction. Today, amid rapid global technological change, a new generation of science and technology museums is taking shape.

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What do you consider to be the three core functions of next-generation science and technology museums? [Choose at most 3 items and sort them]
  • A.Embodied interactive experiences: Offering authentic science experiences that can only be gained by visiting in person
  • B.Showcasing cutting-edge technologies: Presenting the latest advances in science and technology as they emerge
  • C.Digital services: Providing personalized experiences that integrate physical and digital elements, as well as online services
  • D.Science education programs: Developing inquiry-based science courses that encourage in-depth participation
  • E.Innovation dialogue platform: Enabling dialogue between the public, research institutions, and technology companies
  • F.Maker spaces: Providing the public with maker spaces, science and innovation competitions, and other hands-on opportunities
  • G.Accessible and inclusive services: Ensuring equitable access to science resources for people from different backgrounds and with different needs
  • H.Broad geographic reach: Building a distributed service network that reaches local communities and rural areas
  • I.Public participation and social change: Encouraging the public to take an active role in discussions of social issues
  • J.Science and leisure: Combining STEM with the humanities and arts to create spaces where visitors can relax and unwind
  • K.Other (please specify):
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How long do you think it will take for next-generation science and technology museums to become mainstream worldwide? (Select one.)
A. Within 5 years
B. 6-10 years
C. 11-15 years
D. 16-20 years
E. More than 20 years
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What do you consider to be the ideal form of a next-generation science and technology museum? (Select one.)
A. Centralized physical venue: A large, standalone physical museum as the core, emphasizing an exceptional on-site experience
B. Integrated physical-digital model: A physical science and technology museum + a digital twin + an online community
C. Distributed network: A central museum + small community venues + mobile science outreach facilities + a digital platform
D. Ubiquitous integrated model: Science and technology museum experiences embedded in urban public spaces and available everywhere
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Which three technologies do you think will have the greatest impact on the forms and functions of science and technology museums over the next decade? [Please select 3 item]
A. AI and large language models: Content generation, intelligent dialogue, and adaptive visitor guidance
B. Spatial display technologies: VR/AR/XR, glasses-free 3D, and holographic projection
C. Internet of Things and digital twins: Virtual representations and smart management
D. Robotics and embodied intelligence: Human-robot collaboration
E. Flexible electronics and new materials: Smart wearable devices
F. Biometric sensing: Facial recognition, emotion sensing, and accessible interaction
G. Other (please specify):
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Which development pathway should be given priority for next-generation science and technology museums in your home country? (Select one.)
A. Lead global trends by developing several world-class science and technology museums with international influence
B. Promote balanced development nationwide by improving the overall distribution and functions of existing science and technology museums
C. Enable large science and technology museums to strive for world-class status while supporting small and medium-sized museums in developing distinctive local strengths
D. Prioritize digital and intelligent transformation while temporarily deferring the construction of new physical museums
E. Prioritize cross-sector integration by deepening cooperation between science and technology museums and the science and technology, education, culture, and arts sectors
F. Other (please specify):
Thank you for completing this questionnaire. If you would be willing to take part in a follow-up interview with the research team, please leave your contact information here: *
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