In her contribution, Julia highlighted the unique role museums can play in shaping society's response to technological transformation, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence. She brought up the following points:
- Museums should not feel pressured to move at the same pace as technological and AI developments. Their value lies in being trusted, public-service institutions with long-term responsibilities towards society and future generations.
- Characteristics often perceived as making museums "slow", such as careful consideration and deliberation, may become strengths in a time of rapid technological change.
- Museums have extensive experience balancing innovation with responsibility, regularly addressing issues related to ethics, representation, ownership and public accountability.
- Through practices such as co-curation, community participation and shared authority, museums have developed approaches that can contribute to broader discussions about the governance of emerging technologies.
- As debates intensify around who develops, regulates and benefits from AI, museums' experience of inclusive decision-making and public engagement may prove increasingly valuable.
The panel was graced by a second NEMO presence. Julia Pagel was joined on the stage by NEMO Executive Board Members Paulina Florjanowicz of ICOM Poland.
MUTEC, the International Trade Fair for Museum and Exhibition Technology, takes place on 5-6 November in Leipzig. Held every two years, the event brings together professionals from museums, archives, libraries, science centres, theatres and other cultural institutions to exchange ideas and explore solutions for the preservation, exhibition and communication of cultural heritage. Participants come from across Europe, North America and Asia, making MUTEC an international platform for exploring solutions for preservation, exhibition and communication.
