Session 2 - Seminar on research models and methods in economics
The aim of this disciplinary seminar is to present the most recent work by LARSH economists, but also to invite outside colleagues with recognized expertise in LARSH research areas.
Sylvain PETIT (LARSH-UPHF)
"Innovation dynamics in tourism: Insights from European SMES"
European tourism economies have undergone significant transformations driven by the adoption of new information technologies, globalization, deregulation, and intensified competition. In this context, innovation emerges as a crucial factor for the competitiveness and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Tourism and Hospitality (T&H) sectors. This study evaluates the level of innovation in European T&H firms compared to other economic sectors, utilizing data from the European Community Survey (ECS) encompassing all European countries. Innovations are categorized into three types: product, process, and marketing. The results indicate that T&H firms exhibit slightly lower levels of innovation compared to other sectors, particularly in marketing innovations, suggesting a greater tendency to adapt existing innovations rather than develop entirely new solutions. Additionally, specific determinants influencing the innovative capacity of T&H SMEs are identified, such as female leadership, the adoption of information technologies, and a focus on quality. Robustness checks confirm the consistency of these findings, highlighting the need for differentiated innovation strategies within T&H subsectors. This study contributes to filling the existing empirical gap on innovation in the European tourism sector and offers recommendations for managerial recommendations to enhance innovation capacity and competitiveness.
