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Read online: Science Organizations In The Digital Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Publisher: International Science Council Read the report in the language of your choosing by selecting it in the top menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preface<\/p><\/div> In 2022, the Secretariat of the International Science Council (ISC) embarked on a transformative digital journey. This initiative emerged from an understanding of the urgent need for an inclusive, globally-oriented membership organization to adapt to the digital transformations reshaping our professional, recreational, and daily lives across diverse communities worldwide. Initially conceived as an exercise for the communications team aimed at enhancing the ISC\u2019s digital skills and capacity, the project quickly evolved to focus on ensuring agility in adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape. Importantly, the ISC sought to involve its Members in this journey, understanding that the strength of the ISC is intrinsically linked to the robustness of its membership. A survey of the Membership led to identifying several relevant case studies where ISC Members\u2019 learnings and journeys could be shared with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This report delves into the multifaceted concept of \u2018digital\u2019 \u2013 a term that has evolved significantly over time, influencing both technological and cultural aspects of organizations. The ISC\u2019s exploration begins with the fundamental question: What does \u2018digital\u2019 mean in the context of scientific organizations? This question was posed to a diverse group of staff and Members during ISC workshops in late 2022, resulting in a spectrum of interpretations that range from the use of online tools for enhanced connectivity, to a broader, all-encompassing view of digital as integral to living in the 21st century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this document, we adopt the latter perspective, enabling an examination of the myriad ways in which digitalization is reshaping the activities and methodologies of ISC Members and Affiliated Bodies. The ISC\u2019s focus is on the transformative impact of digital technologies on scientific organizations, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges this presents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Central to these findings is the survey conducted in early 2023 from diverse ISC Membership organizations, including national academies, unions and the Affiliated Bodies. The survey was not designed as a rigorous scientific study but rather as a barometer to gauge the digital engagement and capacities of ISC Members. It provided a platform for identifying Members with intriguing results or comments, who were then interviewed for further insights. These interviews culminated in the presentation of case studies at the ISC Mid-Term Members\u2019 Meeting in May 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The case studies presented in this report are a testament to the innovative digital strategies employed by ISC Members. They exemplify how digitalization can be leveraged to create deeper connections, generate value in novel ways and transform organizational structures and operational models. From the Royal Society\u2019s Search Engine Optimization (SEO)focused content strategy to the Global Young Academy\u2019s member-centric approach, these insights offer a glimpse of the dynamic digital landscape within scientific organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This report explores the key areas of opportunity \u2013 creating deeper digital connections, generating new value and evolving organizational models \u2013 and aims to inspire ISC Members and other science organizations in their digital transformation journeys. It explores how digitalization is not just about adopting new technologies but also about embracing a cultural shift that redefines how scientific communities connect, collaborate and create value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ISC would like to continue this conversation with its Members throughout 2024 and beyond, as it navigates the explosion of large language models and other generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools and the opportunities and threats they present, in day-to-day work and for society at large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ISC extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the Members who participated in the survey and contributed to the case studies. Their insights and experiences are the cornerstone of this report, providing valuable perspectives on the digital journeys of scientific organizations. This document was created to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for ISC Members and other scientific organizations as they continue to evolve and thrive in the digital era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alison Meston<\/strong> Digital: A technological and cultural impact on organizations<\/p><\/div> To respond to the critical existential threats that humanity is facing, scientific organizations must be robust and agile to ensure that science is strong and relevant. But the nature, scope and breadth of what an organization is and does changes as technology and culture change. This is particularly true in the digital era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So \u2013 what does \u2018digital\u2019 mean? When this question was put to staff and Members at an ISC workshop in late 2022, opinion was split between two definitions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not unusual to find that there is no common understanding of the word \u2018digital\u2019; the meaning has changed over time and its use depends on context and each individual\u2019s experience and views. For example, \u2018digital transformation\u2019 is a subject of intense focus in the business world but it can be used to describe everything from small changes \u2013 like creating new products and services \u2013 to the wholesale restructuring of company operations, cultures and products to take advantage of digital technologies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This document, developed for the ISC Membership and its Affiliated Bodies, will broadly use the latter definition: assuming that \u2018digital is how we live in the 21st century\u2019. It will look at how many aspects of what ISC Members do \u2013 and how they do it \u2013 are changing in the digital era, and the opportunities and challenges those changes create. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal of this report is to offer inspiration and guidance for ISC Members and other science organizations as they move forward in their own digital transformation journeys, however they choose to define the word \u2018digital\u2019.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n A note on the Member survey and interviews<\/p><\/div> This document incorporates the findings of an online survey of ISC Members. The survey was undertaken in early 2023 and included 44 responses from national academies, unions, affiliated members and bodies with secretariats around the world (47 percent in Europe). The respondents ranged in size from small volunteer-only organizations (4 responses) and those with less than 25 members (18 responses) to larger organizations with more than 200 members (15 responses).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respondents were mainly either executives (17 responses) or in communications or other support roles (12 responses). Survey completion was opt-in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The survey was designed not as a scientific exercise, but to offer an initial barometer of what ISC Members are doing on digital and how they feel about their organizational capacity when it comes to incorporating digital into their organizational strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ISC aimed to identify Members who offered interesting results or made insightful comments that could then be interviewed for more information and for presentation at the ISC Mid-Term Members\u2019 Meeting in May 2023. Representatives from nine member organizations were interviewed and this report includes an overview of their cases.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Opportunities for science organizations in the digital age<\/p><\/div> Most ISC Members who responded to the survey felt they were \u2018advancing\u2019 in digital (figure 1). These Members see digital as part of their strategy but have not embedded it into everything they do. Though they are actively investing in technology and developing their skills, they feel they still have a way to go on their digital journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are three broad areas of opportunity for science organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This report will look at each in turn, outlining the context and relevance of each area for ISC Members, reviewing relevant findings from the survey and presenting case studies of ISC Members who have been working to realize these opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Area 1: Create more and deeper digital connections<\/p><\/div> The digital age has always had the potential to revolutionize how organizations \u2013 including ISC Members \u2013 connect with people: their members, audiences, stakeholders, staff and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n the physical world, there is always a trade-off between reach and richness: reaching more people compromises the richness, intensity and depth of their experiences. [1] A good example is a traditional in-person science conference, where reach is limited, but experiences are deep and rich (i.e. sophisticated and high-quality).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the digital world, however, this dynamic changes. Organizational reach can be expanded without sacrificing the quality of content and experience<\/strong>. In fact, the ability to create unique and rich experiences can serve to give organizations greater reach.2<\/sup> The extra reach of rich content does not end with the potential for it to rank higher in search engine results; when scientists and other stakeholders see content that appeals to their interests, they can share it with their online networks, via LinkedIn, Academia.edu or ResearchGate, for example. These academic networking sites and commercial scholarly publishers expand their connections through extensive digital databases, providing scientists with both reach and richness of content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n References:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Case study 1: The Royal Society reaches new audiences through search engines<\/p><\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Royal Society is a large and complex institution. Its outputs span journals, scientific grants, policy work, industry programmes, school resources and public engagement events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n With such a broad spectrum of outputs, the Royal Society\u2019s website must serve varied audiences efficiently. Enabling visitors to find relevant information quickly is paramount, yet ensuring this content is visible on search engines is a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Royal Society\u2019s website transformation project refreshed the site design and improved the backend tagging of content. This enables more efficient surfacing of richer information in different areas and allows search engines to better recommend content based on user behaviour and preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website analytics demonstrate that the work undertaken so far on the site has increased traffic and supported public perception of the Royal Society, particularly by creating content designed specifically for Google. When the fully updated website is launched in 2024, it is hoped that this will further expand the reach. Although measuring tangible impact is challenging, informing the public and sharing scientific knowledge via the website is an important goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The practical concerns around Internet access and availability are no longer <\/strong>as central, as it can be assumed that most people will have Internet access at a reasonable speed, wherever they are and whenever they turn on their device. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this, as video calling became a staple for both personal interactions and professional collaboration.4<\/sup> With AI, even language barriers can be overcome, and people speaking different languages can connect and chat in a relatively seamless way.5<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than speed or accessibility, context and inclusion are now the defining considerations for science organizations wishing to connect with people digitally.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What someone browsing on their phone while watching TV might want to do is very different to a scientist or a policy-maker using their iPad at a science conference. The device and the channels they are using are also relevant \u2013 as are those that they are not.6<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Inclusion is essential: as organizations connect with an ever more diverse range of people, they need to consider their audiences\u2019 backgrounds, cultures, languages, digital skills levels and more.7<\/sup> For science organizations, inclusion also means thinking about the lives and behaviours of the scientists they want to reach, and designing digital experiences and products in a way that works for them. The Global Young Academy\u2019s approach is a great example: they go to great lengths to understand the experiences of their members and build in features that respect their time, habits and lives \u2013 including thinking hard about how to keep time investment as low as possible (case study 2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n References<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Case study 2: The Global Young Academy\u2019s member-centric approach<\/p><\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Global Young Academy gives a voice to young scientists and researchers around the world, fostering connections and aiding their professional growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Young scientists have distinct needs, habits and communication preferences, and catering to a demographic that spans various age groups within the \u2018young\u2019 category presents a unique challenge. The Global Young Academy needed to design products and services that addressed these distinct needs and integrated them seamlessly into the busy lifestyles of early career professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By tailoring its approach to cater to the specific needs and habits of young scientists, the Global Young Academy has created a robust, engaged community. This member-centric approach helps the academy resonate more deeply with its target demographic, ensuring members\u2019 continued, active involvement in the network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, poor, impersonal, irrelevant, or inauthentic experiences only serve to reduce the reach of science organizations. They must therefore develop a much deeper understanding of key audiences: their context, limitations and how to meet their specific needs. Fortunately, the digital realm provides organizations with an abundance of data, and leveraging this can lead to insights about user behaviour, preferences and pain points.8<\/sup> Science organizations can harness this data to fine-tune their offerings and better meet their audiences\u2019 needs. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) is an example of an organization leveraging data to improve its offering: it runs surveys to understand member needs and preferences, and determines how to connect with them based on these insights (case study 3). Customizing their approach to connecting with different audience\u2019s needs and preferences, and creating unique content for specific audience segments \u2013 such as IUPAC\u2019s Global Women\u2019s Breakfast \u2013 are central to how communication works in the digital world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, it should be noted that connections facilitated by digital are not limited to people. Today, we are connected to objects embedded with AI, like our mobile phones, watches, fridges, speakers or microscopes.9<\/sup> Though robots and objects behave differently to people, context, inclusion and participation remain important. In future, the Royal Society will need to think hard about whether and how to organize its website to serve content to tools like ChatGPT and other large language models.10<\/sup> Similarly, IUPAC may need to consider which of its members use AI agents or voice assistants to connect with it, and how best to engage those intermediaries. Digital connection is about to get even more complicated.11<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n References<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Case study 3: International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry<\/p><\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n IUPAC is a global organization with a diverse membership base. With its members varying in size and operational capacity, from large, professionally managed entities to smaller ones run by individuals, communicating and engaging with everyone effectively is challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IUPAC\u2019s diverse member organizations have varied communication preferences. While some are inclined towards conventional channels like emails, others prefer more modern digital platforms. This poses a significant challenge for IUPAC: how best use its limited resources to communicate with audiences with many different preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To better understand its members\u2019 preferences and to refine its engagement strategy, IUPAC carried out a communication survey. The objective was to assess the effectiveness of its current communication channels and identify areas for improvement. The survey results guided IUPAC in optimizing its communication strategy, particularly in the domain of social media, to ensure that members are effectively engaged and receive relevant information through their preferred channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IUPAC also started creating digital events to connect to specific segments of its network. The Global Women\u2019s Breakfast started out as an event for women, and has grown into an event for anyone interested in making new connections in the global chemistry community. It has allowed IUPAC to showcase its work, connect directly with this community and reach a wider audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using the insights from the communication survey, IUPAC aims to enhance its digital engagement strategy. By tailoring its communication methods to audience preferences, IUPAC hopes to foster stronger connections with its diverse member base and ensure that its messages resonate.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n ISC Members’ survey insights<\/p><\/div> Although many scientific organizations start their digital transformation journeys through digital communications and engagement, the ISC Members\u2019 survey revealed that this was the area where they felt their skills were weakest (figure 2). Across all organizations, the strongest reported skill in this area was social media (2.6 out of 4); the weakest were SEO (1.7\/4) and digital fundraising (1.3\/4). This underscores the challenge of enhancing digital strategies for reaching and engaging with audiences in rich and relevant ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engagement does, however, seem to be a priority in digital for all Members. Even organizations that reported medium or low skill levels in digital engagement prioritized the dissemination of scientific knowledge, indicating that outreach and engagement are fundamental objectives irrespective of their level of proficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of the key barriers to developing engagement skills, the survey showed that Members reporting lower skills levels identified basic needs like \u2018A clear vision of what we could achieve with digital\u2019, \u2018Ability to adapt quickly to change\u2019 and \u2018Understanding of digital tools\u2019. As skills levels increased, Members emphasized more complex needs: \u2018Understanding of digital trends and how they affect your organization\u2019, \u2018Ability to develop and embed a good digital strategy\u2019 and \u2018Digital leadership skills (e.g., being more collaborative)\u2019.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Key questions for reflection<\/p><\/div> Area 2: Create value through new products and services, quickly<\/p><\/div> As digital transformation is reshaping every aspect of our lives, science organizations stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. The digital revolution offers unprecedented opportunities to innovate, expand reach and create value in ways previously unimagined \u2013 and to do so with unprecedented speed.12<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n The most obvious place this is happening is in the value of information products: audiences can find new value in products through digital channels. Conversely, an overload of information makes it harder than ever for specific products and information to stand out leading to the digital age being described as having an \u2018attention economy\u2019.13<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n The \u2018long tail<\/strong>\u2019 is a term that captures a real opportunity for science organizations, and one that they probably understand quite well. The term refers to the dynamic between cost and abundance. Some mainstream products are bought, accessed or used in huge numbers, as was ever the case. But in the digital world, a vast number of niche and limited interests can now be accessed just as cheaply and easily. This phenomenon feeds platforms like Amazon, which thrive on offering a plethora of products, from bestsellers to niche items.14<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Long tail also means that science organizations working in relatively niche areas and with relatively niche products can make those available, knowing that even though the market for those products is small, it exists. This is therefore not just about which products or services people choose, it is also about which products or services can be marketed and to whom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The World Anthropological Union (WAU) is an example of an organization that has done just that: its business model has been transformed by targeting niches with content that is of specific value to them (case study 4). Being a \u2018member\u2019 is not the selling point, and membership does not come with an annual fee. Instead, people now become members when they pay to participate in an activity (an event, seminar or similar). Even though the WAU is targeting smaller audience segments \u2013 with many different propositions rather than a single membership proposition \u2013 it is growing its membership. This is a membership strategy focused on the long tail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n References:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Case study 5: The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World<\/p><\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The WAU is an umbrella organization with a bicameral structure: the International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences for individual members, and the World Council of Anthropological Associations for organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The WAU\u2019s traditional membership model was based on an annual fee structure, providing members with exclusive access to content and events. However, geographical limitations and changing demographics in academia posed significant barriers. Many international members could not attend in-person events due to logistic issues or lack of documentation. The union\u2019s aim to be inclusive and adaptive faced significant hurdles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new approach saw the WAU becoming more diverse and international. More members have joined, and the organization has become more outward facing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Science organizations can choose to cater to large or niche audiences, or both at the same time, using the same infrastructure \u2013 such as a website, a webinar platform or other service. This is possible because in many digital ecosystems, once the initial infrastructure (like a website or a software application) is set up, adding another user or producing another digital product unit comes at virtually no additional cost. This is known as \u2018zero marginal cost<\/strong>\u2019. The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) has taken advantage of this to develop a series of services for members on its website \u2013 profiles that automatically populate, and simple templates for activities and news items \u2013 that are fully scalable (case study 5<\/a>). The initial costs to build this system are high, but once built the number of users is not a major limitation. This kind of profile system would not have been feasible without zero marginal cost digital technology. The OWSD has used this to create value for members that deepens engagement and connection with the organization, without having to worry about limiting numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reference:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Case study 5: The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World<\/p><\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The OWSD is dedicated to supporting and promoting women in science, particularly in low- income countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OWSD needed to strengthen engagement with its extensive membership and effectively communicate the experiences and stories of women scientists in the Global South. This challenge was intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, as traditional engagement methods were restricted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through user-generated content and personalized member profiles, the OWSD has given members a stronger voice and a sense of protagonism. Capacity building in storytelling has emerged as a focus area, given its potential for impact \u2013 the shift to video content during the pandemic showcased the OWSD\u2019s ability to adapt to challenges and still deliver quality content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This case study highlights another new route to value that digital offers science organizations: the possibility of co-creating value <\/strong>with their audiences. The OWSD\u2019s digital video training programme used social media and other digital technologies to offer value for its audiences (the training) and then get value back (receiving videos created for its website). In general, people today want to connect with organizations and peers as participants: sharing, co-creating and co-owning these connections, not just being passive recipients.16<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Participation is essential in the final opportunity digital offers to science organizations seeking to create value: network effects<\/strong>. Network effects describes the phenomenon where the value of a service or platform increases as more people use it. For social media platforms such as Facebook or X (formerly Twitter); the more users they have, the more valuable they become to each user, as there are more connections to be made and content to be consumed. This principle underpins many digital platforms today: Uber, Airbnb and more would not work without it. Within the world of science, the open science movement and the rise of preprint sharing platforms are testament to how scientists have tapped into these network effects, bypassing traditional publishing routes. ISC Members are also networks; they should consider how they can support their own members in accessing network effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Value is also delivered through speed. Digital technology moves rapidly, therefore value creation must too. Agility in testing ideas and concepts quickly and early is essential. Many methodologies have been developed that specifically seek to enable agility and user-centred testing, including Agile, Design Thinking and Lean.17<\/sup> Science organizations can rapidly test new products or services, gather feedback, iterate, and then scale what works. This reduces the risk of large-scale failures and ensures that resources are invested in ideas that have been validated by the target audience. The WAU (case study 4) could, for example, test different event ideas more easily and see what interest they receive, only delivering those that are proven to get audiences. Similarly, the OWSD (case study 5) could choose to test a minimum viable product version of a new feature on its membership database. If the members respond to the new feature, the OWSD can develop it more fully; if there is no response, it does not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n References:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ISC Members\u2019 survey insights<\/p><\/div> The ISC survey highlighted the many ways Members feel digital technologies could support their future plans<\/strong>. In particular, they saw them as important to delivering better services and disseminating knowledge in the digital age. Additionally, influencing policy- makers, boosting administrative efficiency and promoting open science were objectives for many organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organizations reported different digital objectives, based on the overall confidence they had in their digital skills. For example, organizations reporting overall high or medium skill levels emphasized \u2018Promote open science\u2019 and \u2018Disseminate scientific knowledge more widely\u2019. Organizations with medium skill levels prioritized \u2018Deliver better services for more members\/ users\u2019, perhaps indicating they have attained a certain level of digital competency and are now focusing on leveraging those skills to enhance their service delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Area 3: Evolving team skills, new structures and operational models<\/em><\/p><\/div> In the face of rapid technological advancements, science organizations need to evolve in terms of their operational models, team skills and structures to remain relevant and effective. In other words, how organizations do their work in the digital era <\/em>is core to what they can achieve <\/em>through digital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The digital world is characterized by its relentless pace, with developments often unfolding exponentially.18<\/sup> Exponential progress can double with each iteration, leading to swift and frequently unforeseen outcomes. This concept can be difficult for people and organizations to grasp, as witnessed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many found it challenging to fathom how a few isolated cases could quickly burgeon into a worldwide emergency.19<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n A current example of this rapid growth is the rise of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT. This rapid evolution underscores the need for agility. As the digital landscape evolves, so too does the toolkit available to science organizations. Digital tools can facilitate seamless information sharing and foster networking across diverse locations and teams. They allow collaborative work to be asynchronous, so individuals can contribute at their own pace. This shift can enable more decentralized organizational structures, with increased autonomy for staff and greater opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.21<\/sup> The potential benefits for science organizations are manifold: heightened agility, innovative discoveries and robust ways of operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Nigerian Academy of Science provides a compelling illustration of this digital transformation (case study 6). By digitizing its organizational processes, the academy has both accelerated decision-making and increased member participation in this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n References:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Case study 6: The Nigerian Academy of Science<\/p><\/div> The Nigerian Academy of Science, established in 1977, is Nigeria\u2019s foremost scientific institution. Its primary duty is to provide governmental bodies with evidence-based advice, leveraging science, technology and innovation to address national issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity for adaptability and resilience. Traditional modes of operation, including in-person meetings, were often impossible. The Nigerian Academy of Science faced the dual challenge of maintaining effective communication among its extensive fellowship and continuing its advisory role without interruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The academy\u2019s rapid digital transformation, while a response to the pandemic, revealed the potential benefits of a more digitized operational model. Participation in the council meetings was preserved, and perhaps even enhanced, as feedback and interactions flourished on platforms like Zoom, WhatsApp and email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While issues such as network instability and unreliable electricity supply remain a challenge, the academy stays committed to its digital strategy. It envisions a future where digital tools enable everything, from advisory to education. It has ambitious plans, such as the establishment of e-libraries and the creation of a science museum, to further digital engagement and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Changing processes is not the only area of opportunity and challenge: new skills <\/strong>are needed, too. Staff in science organizations wishing to increase their adaptability and take advantage of digital opportunities need to acquire new digital skills to be fluent in how digital works, the use and development of software, and understanding digital systems and data.22<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) offers a great example. The ability to create huge reams of data using digital sensors and tools meant the organization had to develop new skills in digital data management (case study 7).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incorporating new skills in automation can offer science organizations great potential savings. Any repeatable action can be a target for automation, using connected systems and robots. This is not about replacing staff; humans are essential in guiding, supervising and augmenting automated processes. But through automation, science organizations can reduce staff time spent on administrative and low-value tasks, something that management processes are full of. Automation can also support more efficient research processes, data collection and hypothesis testing. But to take advantage of this, science organizations must incorporate new skills, skilling up humans to guide the robots.23<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n References:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Case study 7: Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research<\/p><\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n SCOR is an international non-governmental organization which promotes scientific investigations in the field of oceanic research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the technical capabilities of oceanic research expand, so do the volume and complexity of data. The sheer magnitude of data being generated, coupled with the need for collaboration across global teams, pose significant challenges. SCOR recognized the need for efficient digital data management and enhanced communication tools to ensure continuous and effective scientific collaboration. A key focus for SCOR is facilitating effective and sustainable digital data platforms within projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Date: April 2024
DOI: 10.24948\/2024.05<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I also extend thanks to Zhenya Tsoy, the ISC\u2019s Senior Communications Officer and Digital Lead who had the foresight to open the conversation with Nick Scott, who together led this discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/council.science\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Alison-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Director of Communications
International Science Council<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/council.science\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image-2.png\")
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Internet search engines reward richer and more unique content, serving it to more people and increasing its reach.3<\/sup> In the United Kingdom, the Royal Society, has created a whole programme to take advantage of this, creating rich content specifically designed to attract new audiences by targeting heavily searched Google keywords (case study 1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2018We will reach a broader audience and impact public policy
by creating content specifically designed for Google\u2019.<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\nThe challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The website transformation project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The strategies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Available at: https:\/\/www.shopify.com\/partners\/blog\/97802374-designing-with-the-users-context-in-mind<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Available at: https:\/\/www.bigissue.com\/news\/social-justice\/digital-inclusion-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\u2018We focus on what we can do for members <\/em>
rather than just what we need from them\u2019.<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\nThe challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Engagement strategies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\u2018Our hope is to find ways to engage with our members<\/em>
in such a way that they will engage back more\u2019.<\/h6>\n\n\n\nThe challenge: Diverse digital engagement preferences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The digital engagement survey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future prospects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/council.science\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image-3-1024x757.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
\u00bb How does your organization\u2019s current digital strategy align with the changing dynamics of
reach and richness in the digital age?
\u00bb In what ways are you leveraging the power of rich content to enhance your reach?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bb How does your organization ensure digital inclusivity, taking into account diverse
backgrounds, cultures, languages and digital skill levels?
\u00bb Are you tailoring your digital content and engagement strategies based on the context in
which your audience interacts with it?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bb How frequently does your organization gather feedback on its digital strategies and
engagement efforts?
\u00bb What mechanisms are in place to adapt and evolve based on this feedback?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bb In what ways is your organization prioritizing the needs and preferences of its members in
its digital initiatives?
\u00bb How are you ensuring that member engagement is both meaningful and valuable for the
members themselves?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bb How is your organization preparing for the increasing integration of AI and digital tools in
member engagement and communication?
\u00bb What steps are you taking to ensure your digital strategy remains relevant as technology
continues to evolve?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2018We decided to abandon our traditional membership model
and now there\u2019s more contact with people
from outside the organization\u2019.<\/h6>\n\n\n\nThe challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Digital evolution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Impact and learnings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Take OpenAI\u2019s ChatGPT, for instance. Once the infrastructure is in place for the first user, every subsequent user costs virtually nothing to add.15<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2018We\u2019re building a digital gathering point for our members\u2019.<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
The challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Digital innovations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Impact and learnings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/council.science\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image-19.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
This might indicate they have the necessary digital tools and expertise to start using digital as a core part of impact-seeking. <\/p>\n\n\n\nKey questions for reflection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u00bb How might your organization use digital platforms to introduce new products or services?
\u00bb In what ways are you optimizing the potential of the digital \u2018long tail\u2019 to offer both mainstream and niche products\/services?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bb How are you adapting your membership models to cater to the diverse needs of your members in the digital age?
\u00bb What strategies are in place to ensure both traditional and digitally forward-thinking members find value in their association with your organization?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bb How are you ensuring that your digital infrastructure is scalable, allowing you to cater to growing audiences?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bb How are you fostering a culture of co-creation and participation among your members, allowing them to contribute and derive value?
\u00bb In what ways are you leveraging network effects to enhance the value proposition of your platforms and services?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bb How could your organization leverage rapid prototyping to test and validate new digital initiatives?
\u00bb How are you incorporating member feedback in real-time to iterate and improve upon your digital products and services?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u00bb What steps are you taking to navigate the challenges of information overload, technology adaptability and striking a balance between innovation and inclusion?
\u00bb How are you preparing your organization to integrate and leverage the advancements in AI \u2013 for speed or value for your audiences?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nWorking at speed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
These tools, which can produce new, original content, were barely known a year ago but have seen swift integration into business strategies. Less than five months after ChatGPT\u2019s release in November 2022, nearly one quarter of C-suite executives surveyed by McKinsey had incorporated generative AI technology into their work, and 28 percent of boards had plans to discuss how to incorporate it into operational plans, a testament to its transformative potential.20<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\nHarnessing digital tools for agility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2018Our aim is to be as digital as possible\u2019.<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
The challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Digital innovations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Impact and learnings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Looking ahead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
We need data to be more easily accessible in a very efficient way\u2019<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
The challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Highlighted digital platforms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n