The Role of Dynamic Capabilities Towards a More Innovative Tourism Industry

The aim of this project is to gain a deeper understanding of which factors drive innovation in tourism firms. In this research, the investigation of internally and externally influenced dynamic capabilities is linked with regional innovation systems to more fully account for networked environments in tourism. This research proposes to investigate dynamic capabilities and innovation in tourism from three different perspectives, related to organisational, relational and destination-level aspects. Provided by the prevalent mid- to long-term challenges of the tourism industry (e.g., shortage of skilled labour, climate change), recognising which human capabilities, internal processes, and external collaborations encourage innovation is crucial to ensure business longevity. The results of this study may be used to support companies in their strategic design and structuring of further education programmes and competence training, and hiring processes, to strengthen their innovative capacity in the long term. Insights generated in this research will also provide information on whether structural, industry-specific organisational weaknesses (e.g., scarcity of resources, small company size) may be compensated by appropriate interfirm connections and shared dynamic capabilities on the tourism region level. In addition, understanding the sources and patterns of the innovation activity in tourism is also key for re-evaluating whether innovation policies adequately cover the needs of tourism companies, and for developing better policies to strengthen the international competitiveness of the Austrian tourism industry.