'Modelling the impact of technology on the heritage sector: conceptualisation, implementation and measurement,' chapter in J McLoughlin, J Kaminski and B Sodagar, ed., (2007) Technology strategy, management, and socio-economic impact: Heritage Management Series Volume II. Archaeolingua: Budapest. pp. 51-62, ISBN 978-963-8046-87-1

This chapter builds on the technology impact model paper and demonstrates the practical application of the model for a real heritage site. The key foundation publication for this work ICT impact model developed by myself with Sodagar & Kaminski. It is also based on the following published body of works:

• J McLoughlin, J Kaminski and B Sodagar, (2007) Perspectives on impact, technology and strategic management: Heritage Management Series Volume I. Archaeolingua: Budapest
• J McLoughlin, J Kaminski and B Sodagar, (2006) Heritage Impact 2005: Proceedings of the first international symposium on the socio-economic impact of cultural heritage. Archaeolingua: Budapest

This work presents a practical application of the holistic technology investment model that allows heritage managers to conceptualise how ICT deployment influences socio-economic impact. The model provides the framework to understand the deployment of audio guides at the Royal Pavilion Palace, Brighton. The use of audio guides at heritage sites is becoming increasingly common and since it is well established technology, represents low risk for heritage sites. Special emphasis is placed on the strategic rationale behind the introduction and considers how these decisions affected the impacts and outcomes associated with the deployment. The analysis highlights the importance of organisational change occurring as a result of the deployment and the business model adopted.

Citation

This paper forms a central part of a body of work and reports for EC FP6, whose recent review comments on the socio-economic impact of heritage research were:

• "This area of work has been productive and has involved both theoretical and the case studies are valuable indicators of the way the models can be effectively applied and used."
  (p.5, EC Review report, August 2007)
• "EPOCH has continued to make groundbreaking progress in developing innovative method and theory in the economics of the cultural heritage."
  (p.3, EC Review report, August 2007)