Tourism Evolution: On the Synergies of Tourism Studies and Evolutionary Economic Geography

Abstract

Evolutionary Economic Geography (EEG) is receiving increasing interest from tourism scholars. EEG has proven to be a useful explanatory paradigm in other sectors, e.g., high-technology and creative sectors. There remains, however, a lack of theoretical discussion on evolutionary principles of economic change within relatively low-technology service sectors, of which tourism is a prime example. This paper introduces EEG to a wider tourism audience by presenting the core principles of EEG and how they relate to tourism studies. A selection of new research paths combining EEG and tourism studies is highlighted together with a number of latent research synergies which can progress both EEG and tourism studies. The paper calls for further empirical and conceptual engagement with EEG by tourism scholars.

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

“…In addition, it is confirmed that networking linkages with non-local or extra-regional strategic partners appear highly beneficial for learning and innovation by tourism firms in parallel with the work of Hoarau and Kline (2014). Therefore, this research corroborates economic geography discourses which emphasise external linkages are of consequence for firm level innovation and for regional competitiveness (Brouder, Eriksson, 2013b;Thomas, Wood, 2014;Rodríguez-Pose, Fitjar, 2013;van Egeraat, Kogler, 2013;van Geenhuizen, Soetanto, 2013;Williams, 2014). Nonetheless, this research offers a nuanced understanding of tourism networking, beyond a primary focus on extra-regional networking linkages for accessing knowledge for innovation purposes, but indicating that local embeddedness remains a significant consideration since tourism firms rely on other local firms within their destinations not only for innovation purposes, but also for their survival and continued success.…”

“…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.…”

“…In fact, evolutionary economic geography, inline with the neo-Schumpeterian evolutionary theory and complexity theory, views innovation as a complex, path-dependent process characterised by the learning and the interaction of agents (Antonelli, 2009;Brouder, 2014;Brouder, Eriksson, 2013a, b;Ma, Hassink, 2013). Therefore, path dependency points to evolutionary patterns whereby accumulated knowledge provides a critical mass for innovation (Brouder, Eriksson, 2013b;Ma, Hassink, 2013;van Egeraat, Kogler, 2013). In this context, networking behaviour is of central importance for learning and enhancing technological capabilities (Huijbens et al, 2009;van Geenhuizen, Soetanto, 2013;Williams, 2014).…”

Global innovations in tourism

“…Fourth, innovation in tourism began to happen simultaneously at all managerial levels, which causes the synergetic effect from integration efforts of international organizations, regional associations, governments, local authorities, companies and tourists (Brouder, Eriksson, 2013;Dzhyndzhoian, 2016;Marakova, Medvedova, 2016;Sardak, 2012). So, coordination actions of international organizations, regional associations of countries and TNCs in the tourism market, the spread of strategic and global alliances, international law are developed at the global level.…”

Co-Evolution, Sustainable Tourism and Protected Areas

“…When these concepts are used in tourism research they are often drawn from research in the academic field of "evolutionary economic geography" [8], [9]. Some of these recent studies of tourism and temporal change recognise that path creation and path dependence are better understood if they are not seen as binary or separate categories [10]- [12]. Brouder and Fullerton [13, p. 152], for example, note how incremental path creating changes have occurred in the established tourism development path in Niagara, Canada, and that these "new paths co-evolve with the dominant tourism paths".…”