Innovation in tourism: Re-conceptualising and measuring the absorptive capacity of the hotel sector

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.…”

“…Porter, 2008). Likewise, innovation is regarded as a central means by which tourism firms, destinations and regions can respond to increasing competition on a global scale (Holowiecka, Grzelak-Kostulska, 2013;Iplik et al, 2014;Thomas, Wood, 2014;Tigu et al, 2013;Williams, 2014). Individual entrepreneurs and firms rarely innovate in isolation, and learning with a focus on innovation, takes place in organised settings such as groups, firms and networks (Fagerberg, 2013).…”

The determinants of knowledge transfer from universities to tourism companies – a conceptual model and research propositions

“…al. 2013) confirms the almost complete absence of research into the absorptive capacity of hotels and other tourism businesses in spite of the extensive "mainstream" (notably manufacturing) literature (Thomas, Wood, 2014). For tourism, the concept of absorptive capability is very relevant (Awad, Ghaziri, 2004).…”

“…Furthermore, Cohen and Levinthal (1989: 569) emphasised that "a stock of prior knowledge constitutes the firm's absorptive capacity". Absorptive capacity in tourism is an important issue because tourism organisations are particularly dependent on external sources of knowledge when compared with businesses in other sectors (Thomas, Wood, 2014). A systematic review of the literature on innovation in service sector businesses (Carlborg et.…”