Towards Comprehensive Digital Strategies in Museums: A Comparative Analysis of Current Strategic Models and Identified Gaps

Digital transformation processes in museums have evolved continuously and significantly over recent decades, reflecting technological advancements and changing patterns of cultural access and consumption. This sustained evolution increasingly compels museums to adopt informed, effective, and efficient management approaches to digital transformation. Far beyond mere technological adoption, digital transformation in museums requires the complex integration of museological practices, institutional operations, strategic planning, and the multifaceted dimensions of digital evolution. Consequently, effective digital strategy development depends on holistic and adaptive methodologies that foster sustainable innovation, audience inclusion, and collection valorisation. This study addresses the research question: What are the main characteristics, advantages, and limitations of current strategic models applied to museums, considering the criteria of usability, adaptability, scalability, and functional coverage, and how do these models contribute to the development and consolidation of an integrated digital strategy? Based on their relevance and accessibility (developed by recognised institutions, available online and free of use), six models were selected – the Digital Culture Compass, Digitalematuriteit, Digital Transformation Scan, Digital Strategy Canvas, Museums of Impact Framework, and Europeana Impact Playbook. Using a comparative review grounded in an analytical matrix, the study evaluates the features, advantages, and limitations of each model, highlighting common patterns and critical gaps. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of strategic models developed for application in museums and their contribution to the development and consolidation of integrated digital strategies.