Tourism and cross border regional innovation systems

Unpacking the geography of tourism innovation in Western Cape Province, South Africa

“…It is theorised that the tourism sectoral innovation system and the spatial innovation system overlap at regional level (this includes the firm level), and are open systems which utilise and maintain external linkages (cf. Hoarau, Kline, 2014;Weidenfeld, 2013). However, other scholars argue that service and tourism innovation systems are loosely-coupled networks which are not systems in the traditional sense (Brouder, 2012;Huijbens et al, 2009;Sundbo et al, 2007;Ronningen, Lien, 2014).…”

“…Such networks largely provide explorative, rather than knowledge-intensive information, and do not impact significantly on innovation performance (Fuglsang et al, 2011;Sundbo et al, 2007). Conversely, a number of tourism scholars argue that external local knowledge is important for building absorptive capacity, and enhancing innovation and competitiveness in tourism firms (Brouder, Eriksson 2013b;Carlisle et al, 2013;Carson et al, 2014;Hjalager, 2010;Hoarau, Kline, 2014;Sørensen, 2007;Thomas, Wood, 2014;Weidenfeld, 2013). Pechlaner et al (2006) stress that a combination of place-specific and non-local resources, such as knowledge, know-how, experiences, technologies, skills and competencies, is necessary for creating unique and innovative tourism products.…”

“…Certain authors argue that innovation systems in tourism are both geographical, either national or regional, as well as sectoral which does not focus on territorial dimensions (Hjalager, 2014;Weidenfeld, 2013;Weidenfeld, Hall, 2014). The focus of the sectoral approach is on specific sectors regardless of their geographical location.…”

“…In particular, small firms typically suffer from a lack of knowledge transfer from large firms, and knowledge transfer for innovation is generally constrained in the tourism industry (Hoarau, Kline, 2014;Shaw, Williams, 2009;Williams, 2014). High levels of competition and low levels of trust further lead to a lack of cooperation between tourism firms (Pechlaner et al, 2006;Weidenfeld, 2013). Sørensen (2007) argues that the spatial characteristics of tourism are reflected in networks which are highly local (within tourist destinations), and simultaneously non-local (international).…”

Tourism Diversification and Its Implications for Smart Specialisation

“…They need to consider the regional spectrum between diversity and concentration against that of competing destinations, which is common across peripheral and rural areas in the EU [85] and developing countries. Tourism inter-regional diversification strategies may also involve external knowledge transfer and joint innovation, such as in cross border regions, which require RV between regional sectors in neighbouring countries [86] and may result in diversification across regions. The different dimensions of tourism diversification, including intra-and inter-sectoral dimensions, especially as a platform for diversification in other sectors, are further explored.…”