2009 ASPAC Conference.
May 26-29
Collaborative Innovation and Partnership

In a world of rapid change, science centres and museums need to be continually innovative, developing new approaches to presenting cutting-edge science, to designing and delivering programs which engage their communities according to their learning interests, and to applying new communications technologies to extend their reach. Successful innovations offer more than novelty value, they offer real benefits that address real needs and issues of individuals, communities and economies. By building collaborative relationships with other science centres and museums in the region, with private enterprises as well as universities, we can sustain and grow our capacity to address the needs of our society.

Regional science centre networks have always been an important way to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among science centres and museums. How can we further develop our cooperation and coordination to enhance our individual and collective impacts?

The Conference sub-theme are:

• Social Responsibility：
  What role can science centres and museums play in reflecting or supporting community views? In what ways can science centres and museums increase their impact and relevance for the whole community, including minorities and economically underprivileged groups within the community.
  　
• Partnerships and Support：
  In our region, there are many and diverse approaches to developing partnerships with other science centres and museums, with private enterprises and with research institutions. In what ways can we learn from one another and utilise our diverse approaches to enhance our operations? In what ways can we harness the time and skills of volunteers and other resources within our community to benefit our visitors.
  　
• Sustainable Resources：
  Around the world, there is a growing realization that urgent responses are required to address key global issues. How can science centres and museums serve as a tool for public understanding and action on issues such as climate change? What approaches can we adopt, with one another and with our community partners, to address global sustainability issues?
  　
• Innovative Approaches：
  What are the innovative ways in which science centres and museums are approaching staff training and development, fundraising, the design and development of exhibitions and programs, the marketing of traveling exhibitions, the presentation and communication of cutting-edge science, etc? In what ways are we collaborating to assist with such innovation?