Business ecosystem for digital museums

There are a variety of research and development programs about museums using digital content and digital technologies (so-called “Digital Museum”). And some of those studies are trying to bring in technologies to existing museums. However, methods for collecting, applying, and sharing content at digital museums are totally different from those at traditional museums. Therefore, along with such studies, a new business ecosystem surrounding digital museums should be considered simultaneously. In this paper, an overview of network of people, goods, and capital surrounding digital museums is proposed. Providing a tangible example, it is discussed how to maintain self-sustainable operation at digital museums. With a success of this new business ecosystem, we can expect more technologies to be developed and flourish.