evolution of an innovation network in tourism: towards sectoral innovation eco-system
;Metka Stare ; Dejan Križaj
international journal of algebra and computation2018Vol. 20pp. 438-453
141
2018amfiteatruevolution
Abstract
Networks broaden the space for sourcing knowledge and skills for innovation in tourism
beyond traditional actors and provide the framework for interactions, cooperation and
knowledge sharing among them. The research focuses on complex relationships between
the actors linked via web platform in generating ideas and implementing innovation in
tourism. It assesses the dynamics of web platform evolution towards sectoral innovation
eco-system in tourism. Applying case study methodology and unique data set we analyse
the Bank of Tourism Potentials in Slovenia (BTPS), a web platform for the promotion of
innovation in tourism. BTPS is considered an organizational innovation that leverages
innovation in tourism and results in a number of new services, processes and business
models. The originality of the paper derives from an in-depth analysis of actors’
networking, collaboration and mutual learning in implementing innovation. The
characteristics of interactions between actors translate into the emerging patterns of BTPS
development and suggest that the web platform is assuming the characteristics of the
innovation eco-system in tourism that can be transferred to other environments as well.
Finally, areas of future research are proposed.