Defining the Characteristics of Cities of Scientific CultureDr Tim CaultonIndependent ConsultantECSITE Conference31 May 2012
Study Objective The primary objective of this research was to capture, in a systematic and methodologically sound manner, the defining characteristics of cities of scientific culture across Europe This presentation looks at the implications of the findings of this research for science centres
Research Questions • What are the major drivers for the development of cities of scientific culture? • Who are the main actors? • How are activities organised and funded? • What is the impact of the diversity of different parts of Europe? • What are the main challenges facing cities of scientific culture?
Aarhus, DK A Coruna, ES Barcelona, ES Birmingham, UK Bristol, UK Copenhagen, DK Debrecen, HU Dublin, IE Espoo, FI Gothenburg, SE Glasgow, UK Helsinki, FI Jena, DE Lisbon, PT Liverpool, UK Lyon, FR Magdeburg, DE Murcia, ES Naples, IT Newcastle, UK Nottingham, UK Paris, FR Prague, CZ Rome, IT Trento, IT Trieste, IT Turin, IT Vienna, AU Wroclaw, PL York, UK Shanghai as a non EU comparator Participating Cities
Visions for Cities of Scientific Culture • In general, cities of scientific culture are seen as important drivers both for the local economy and civil society • The STEM agendain the UK has clearly had a significant impact there and is referred to in other parts of Europe • Science is cultureappears to be the prevalent understanding in countries where the dominant language is derived from Latin
Drivers • Universities expected to continue to be main drivers in years ahead • Local politics and EU initiatives replacing importance of regional and national government, and role of individuals
Activities • Until now, Science Festivals and University Open Days have dominated activities, followed by Museums and Science Centres and Meet the Scientist events
Activities • In the future, the focus will be on Museums and Science Centres, Special Science Exhibitions and Interactive Websites
Public Participation • In terms of public participation, respondents expect significantly more participation in every area of public debate, especially research of citizens’ views, online blogs and use of social media
Challenges Ahead • Regional / national Government role declining • Private sector funding increasingly important • Fundraising remains the key challenge • Lack of interest by public authorities and conflicts between organisations
Conclusions • Science cultural activities appear to be thriving in the cities or regions that participated • The term ‘scientific culture’ seems to have different connotations or meaning across Europe 3. Citizens’ participation and public consultation exercises are clearly considered the road ahead to 2020
Conclusions • Growing awareness of the importance of the private sector in cities of scientific culture presents an interesting challenge for us all • Strong expectation that the EU will contribute to setting the agenda 6. Strong expectation that science centres, in close partnership with Universitiesand other local organisations, will provide the main focus for activities and engagement in the future
Thank you very much for your attention and patience Tim Caulton www.museumintelligence.com
