Cooperation and co-creation in the scientific activity of museums

Abstract

Museums are more often analyzed from diverse perspectives, which include the multiplicity of their functions performed. The biggest interest regards cultural, social, or tourism activities. Nevertheless, educational activities, addressing especially the school youngsters, are of importance as well. Among the multifunctionality and diversity of functions performed, less is explored about the cooperation within the framework of scientific projects, which is closely connected to the basic museum duties: collecting and researching. The main aim of the article is to recognize the importance of cooperation initiated by museums within the area of scientific activity. It was specified by two research questions: 1. What entities are engaged in scientific-based cooperation? 2. In which ways effects of such activity are co-created? Within the qualitative research approach applied, the multiple case study method was selected. During the research, the semi-structured interviews were applied, as also observations and content analysis from social media sites. Although the focus on the scientific activities depends on the specific institution, yet is important while looking at the basic activities performed by museums. Scientific cooperation very often connects similar organizations, but also opens for new relations. Despite strict scientific dimensions, the benefits may also affect less involved entities. Field research and conferences, especially visible parts of scientific activities, have an aspect of co-creation as well.