Introducing the Smithsonian’s first International Strategic Framework

The Framework was developed through a collaborative process, through conversations, focus groups, and feedback sessions with leadership and staff from more than 40 offices and museums

Last year I charged the Office of International Relations with leading the development of an international strategic framework for the Institution that would help us to think more critically about our collective global work. The Smithsonian has been an internationally oriented organization since our founding in 1846, and today we are active in more than 100 countries. As the world’s largest museum, research, and education complex, we have a responsibility to engage on the pressing global challenges of our time – from climate change and public health, to economic disparities and issues of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion – the solutions to which require an international vision and perspective. As an Institution, we have much to share with and learn from colleagues around the world as we tackle these challenges together.

I am pleased to share with you the Institution’s first-ever International Strategic Framework, which outlines broad aims, objectives, and strategic areas of work that will inform the development and resourcing of our international programs, projects, partnerships, and activities going forward. The Framework provides a clear articulation of the critical work we carry out around the world and serves to unite the Institution around common goals and a shared purpose, all tied to our core mission of “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”

This Framework will help all of us to be more focused and strategic as we consider which international activities to pursue, leaving room for creativity and responsiveness. It will not dictate individual unit strategies or activities; each organization will likely embrace this Framework differently given the diversity of our work. We are also discussing the implementation of global initiatives that can support the strategic focus areas I have developed with my leadership team.

While the Institution’s international roots helped inspire this Framework, it is the profoundly important work you carry out today – and the work we hope to be doing in the future – that gave shape to this document.

The Framework was developed through a collaborative process, through conversations, focus groups, and feedback sessions with leadership and staff from more than 40 offices and museums, as well as ongoing support from the International Presence Working Group.   

International Presence Working Group Members 

• Tuck Hines, Director, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
• Carol LeBlanc, Director, Smithsonian Enterprises
• Michael Mason, former Director, Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
• Carol O’Donnell, Director, Smithsonian Science Education Center
• Ian Owens, Deputy Director, National Museum of Natural History
• Chase Robinson, Director, Freer and Sackler Galleries
• Aviva Rosenthal, Director, Office of International Relations
• Lisa Sasaki, Interim Director, Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum

I want to personally thank those of you who participated in the Framework’s development for your time, energy, and contributions to this important document.

In the coming weeks, OIR will be hosting open learning sessions (see upcoming dates below) to meet with colleagues across the Institution and share an in-depth look at the Framework and how you can utilize it moving forward. These sessions will also describe the new Global Activities Tracking Process, developed in tandem with the Framework, to increase visibility and coordination of all of our international activities. If you would like to schedule a learning session for your unit or team, please reach out to global@si.edu. There will also be an All-Staff Town Hall later this year on this subject, so do keep an eye out for the announcement of that date.

• Thursday, July 15, 9:00am – 10:00am ET (Register here)
• Monday, July 26, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET (Register here)

Please take some time to review the International Strategic Framework. I look forward to seeing our valuable international engagement continue and grow in both relevance and reach.

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