Why education is the path to digital transformation

Audience of the future, you’re already reaching them!

Have you ever thought about it? That as an educator, you already know how to reach the audience of the future? You probably already have so much more knowledge about the world of this future cultural audience than your colleagues. And every educator knows; young people who are touched by culture during their school career are more likely to return as adults. So how do you bind them for life? And how do you prepare the rest of your organization for this digital-savvy audience?

As an expert on the audience of the future, you might be the ideal person to drive digital transformation in your organization. You can help your organization move forward with your knowledge of this audience.

How to get the organization on board? 3 concrete and accessible tips:

Conclusion

Do it together! Explore the digital possibilities with colleagues from other departments, analyze the data together, and ultimately determine your digital strategy as a team. This way, you bring the entire organization along in digital thinking. Moreover, a good digital strategy combines the various skills and expertise within the organization. An integrated approach to your digital strategy is only possible when different areas of expertise connect and do not operate in isolation. Collaboration with other organizations and disciplines also strengthens this.

New audiences require collaboration

The knowledge you provide about the new audience also raises several questions. By discussing these within your organization, you keep everyone on board and remain agile. 

Questions to explore with your colleagues:

• What societal developments do we see reflected in the new audience? Think, for example, about the increasing digitization of society and consider how your institution can respond to this.
• How does your institution handle major themes like inclusion and sustainability? These topics are becoming increasingly important in our society, and young people feel strongly about them. Does your organizational culture meet the expectations of the new audience? Today's youth are not only the audience but also the workforce of tomorrow.
• Do you have sufficient insight into the digital technologies with which this and future generations are growing up? As a cultural educator, you know what's happening and which apps, platforms, or devices young people use. What do you know about the underlying technologies, ethics, how they are developing, and what makes certain platforms or forms of expression so successful? By delving into this with colleagues, you can better assess which technologies you can use yourself and how your audience will interact with them.

Turn your plans into actions

To initiate digital transformation, you need support within your organization. To create support, you can engage in conversations with your colleagues and management. What is needed to prepare your organization for the future? How does digital transformation contribute to this? Highlight the challenges you face and what you think is needed. For example, a mandate, budget, and time to invest in a digital approach or perhaps new skills that you or your colleagues want to learn together.

And conversely: share your own experiences, knowledge, and skills with colleagues, both inside and outside your organization. Are there facilities you are developing now that others can also use?