Visualizing Digital Transformation Research in Museums: A Citespace Analysis

Abstract

Currently, advancements in digital technologies like AI, cloud computing, cloud-network integration, and 5G communication are profoundly reshaping the cultural sector, particularly museums. These innovations offer vast opportunities for upgrading and transforming digital experiences within museums. The digital economy is emerging as a pivotal driver of economic growth and a critical component of the cultural industry's evolution in this new era. Consequently, embracing digital transformation has become indispensable for museums striving towards high-quality development and relevance in today's landscape. This study delves into 432 journal articles sourced from the Web of Science (WoS) database spanning 2004 to 2024. Utilizing the bibliometric software CiteSpace, the analysis identifies research areas, lineage, and hotspots in the digital transformation of museums. Key findings highlight influential authors, institutions, and countries, revealing trends through burst detection of keywords. Since 2021, the primary research hotspots include "technology," "user experience," and "virtual tourism," with the integration of technology and user experience emerging as a prominent trend. However, challenges persist, such as disparities in research distribution and insufficient collaboration between scholars and institutions, posing hurdles for digital transformation research in museums.