Measuring museum sustainability in China: a DSR model-driven approach to empower sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Abstract

In the past few years, sustainable development has undoubtedly become an essential perspective for museums. Museums have been committed to raising social awareness around ecological conservation and cultural diversity through various exhibitions, education and research projects, and public engagement. However, the concepts, approaches, and practises of “sustainability” differ across nations and regions, and there is a lack of sufficient quantitative research on sustainable development by and within museums. This article aims to establish an evaluation framework and evaluation approach for museum sustainability in China. Its framework is initially based on the DSR model, in which “D” delineates seven deeds of museum visitors, “S” characterizes the status of sustainable practises within museums, and “R” involves presenting sustainability strategies pertinent to Chinese museums by integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A fuzzy QFD model is then used to develop an evaluation approach for analyzing the Zhejiang Natural History Museum (ZNHM)’s sustainable development strategies, using data from surveys and in-depth interviews. As a result of this study, significant opportunities for deepening sustainable practises were identified for ZNHM, which include updating the collection system, enhancing professionalism in exhibitions and educational projects, and securing funding policies. ZNHM’s sustainability efforts prioritize enhancing social awareness, and internal reforms related to social value, governance, and professional capabilities. With these foundations in place, international cooperation among museums may be the next step towards a sustainable future.