Challenge:
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, a national science and technology centre sought to benchmark against other interactive centres from around the world which are also dedicated to improving the public understanding of science. This client sought to appreciate and consolidate its strengths, identify and remedy any shortcomings, and gain intelligence such that it was a leader throughout its next quarter of a century.
The Oracle’s Solution:
Specialist fellows from six disciplines spanning physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, medicine, mathematics and chemistry led within their spheres of competence. These fellows consulted colleagues in schools, universities and industry to identify current and future priorities for applied science and technology. With client agreement, eleven leading international interactive sciences were subjected to detailed assessment. These included the following entities:
- Exploratorium (San Francisco, US),
- La Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie (Paris, France),
- Explore (now called “We the Curious” in Bristol, UK),
- Science World (Vancouver Canada),
- Museo Participativo de Ciencias (Buenos Aires, Argentina),
- Science Centre Singapore, and
- Arizona Science Center (Phoenix, US).
Interviews were conducted with key leaders and thorough exhibit assessments were undertaken. Gap analyses were combined synergistically with the findings from horizon-scanning activities to provide guidance on the future creation of unique, successful and innovative exhibits.
Consequential Impact:
The client centre performed exceptionally well throughout benchmarking activity and thus benefited from the reassurance that its ongoing quest for excellence is warranted. Where areas for potential improvement were identified, these were successfully implemented with the Oracle’s assistance provided that they were in alignment with the centre’s key priorities. Excellent networks with other leading interactive science centres were initiated and these remain active to the present day. Numerous new exhibitits providing hand-on experience of key issues in fields ranging from biotechnology to data analytics and encryption to psychology are now in place for the enjoyment and education of all.