By Maria Kagkelidou

As cultural heritage institutions around the world grapple with the task of preserving our past, an exciting opportunity is emerging: technology. From virtual reality (VR) tours and augmented reality (AR) displays to artificial intelligence (AI) and haptic feedback, the tools available to make heritage more engaging and accessible are growing at a rapid pace. At the heart of this shift lies the potential to not only enhance visitor experiences but also address longstanding challenges such as accessibility and audience engagement.

As a participant in the SHIFT project, I’ve had the privilege of analyzing key survey results from both cultural heritage professionals and the general public. These surveys highlight the promise of new technologies, but they also underline the barriers that remain—barriers that need to be tackled to truly realize the potential of technology in the cultural sector.

The Promise of Digital Technologies

The results from our SHIFT survey of cultural heritage professionals reveal that many institutions are embracing technologies like AI, VR, and AR to increase their appeal and accessibility. With these tools, institutions are transforming the traditional museum visit into a dynamic, interactive experience. Visitors can now walk through virtual reconstructions of ancient civilizations, experience interactive 3D models of priceless artifacts, or participate in immersive educational games.

The general public survey, also part of the SHIFT initiative, further confirms this shift. When asked what would make them more likely to visit museums and cultural sites, a significant majority of younger respondents (aged 18–34) said that interactive, technology-driven experiences such as VR or AR would encourage them to engage more with cultural heritage. These technologies can bridge the gap between a traditional, static experience and a more dynamic, immersive one that speaks to today’s digital-native generations.

For institutions, the opportunity to create more inclusive spaces is equally promising. Through AI-powered accessibility tools such as text-to-speech for visually impaired visitors or haptic technologies that allow users to “feel” digital representations of artifacts, museums are making their collections available to broader audiences. These technologies, which were once considered futuristic, are now seen as essential for enhancing the inclusivity of cultural institutions.

Barriers to Widespread Adoption

Despite the optimism around digital transformation, the SHIFT surveys also shed light on the significant barriers preventing more widespread use of technology within cultural heritage institutions. Budget constraints were the most frequently cited challenge, with 57% of respondents reporting that limited financial resources were a key obstacle to adopting new technologies. Initial costs, as well as the need for ongoing maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, are particularly burdensome for smaller institutions.

In addition to financial concerns, lack of technical expertise remains a crucial barrier. Many institutions report that they simply do not have the in-house capabilities to implement or maintain advanced digital tools. This challenge is especially evident in smaller, less resourced institutions, which often do not have dedicated IT departments or staff with specialized training in digital tools.

There is also a degree of institutional inertia. The cultural sector can be slow to change, with some professionals expressing concern that technology might undermine the authenticity of cultural experiences. The survey results showed that about 33% of respondents felt that the introduction of advanced technologies might detract from the physical connection to artifacts or undermine the traditional, “hands-on” museum experience that many visitors still value.

Opportunities for Change

Despite these barriers, the SHIFT project continues to push forward with the belief that technology can be an enabler, not a disruptor, of cultural heritage. To address these challenges, the survey results suggest that there are several actions we can take to help institutions embrace digital transformation more effectively:

1. Increased Funding Support: Public and private funding needs to be expanded, especially for smaller institutions. This can include targeted subsidies or shared funding models to make technology adoption more affordable.
2. Training and Capacity Building: Cultural heritage professionals must be equipped with the technical skills to successfully implement and use these technologies. The SHIFT project has already initiated training programs aimed at increasing digital literacy within the sector.
3. Collaborative Efforts: Cross-institutional collaboration should be encouraged to share resources, knowledge, and digital tools. This can be particularly helpful for smaller institutions that may lack the financial or technical means to go it alone.
4. Inclusive Design: As the SHIFT surveys showed, the desire for inclusive experiences is high, and digital tools are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of diverse audiences. Institutions must continue to prioritize accessibility—from providing virtual tours for those unable to travel to offering multisensory experiences for people with disabilities.
   

A Bright Future for Cultural Heritage

The SHIFT project is driven by the ambition to make cultural heritage more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for all. The survey findings clearly show that while the appetite for technology is strong, the sector must work together to break down the barriers preventing its wider adoption. Through collaboration, investment, and training, the cultural heritage sector can harness the power of technology to create richer, more inclusive experiences that will attract new audiences and better preserve our shared history for generations to come.

The road ahead may be challenging, but the potential is undeniable. As institutions continue to embrace digital transformation, the future of cultural heritage looks not just more interactive and inclusive, but more dynamic and engaging than ever before.