Abstract: In recent years, activation has emerged as a novel concept and pathway for memory institutions such as libraries, archives, and museums to unlock the value of their collections. However, while the practice of activating documentary heritage continues to advance, challenges such as homogenization, lack of motivation, and insufficient effectiveness have become increasingly evident, underscoring the need for systematic theoretical interpretation and futureoriented reflection. Based on a comprehensive review and analysis of existing literature, this paper traces the conceptual evolution of documentary heritage activation and provides a thorough elucidation of its core connotations, operational objectives, and implementation modalities. It proposes that future endeavors should prioritize three key breakthroughs: constructing a more theoretically robust activation framework with enhanced explanatory power, achieving modernized reinterpretation of cultural symbols within documentary heritage, and establishing profound connections between collections and public engagement

Key words: Documentary heritage, Activation, Digitalintelligent era