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Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Tourism and Events

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2021) | Viewed by 20480

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Dr. Gregory Kwiatkowski

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Guest Editor

Department of Economics, Koszalin University of Technology, 75-453 Koszalin, Poland
Interests: events; tourism; festivals; innovation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Julia Ziółkowska

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Assistant Guest Editor

Department of Spatial Planning, Institute of Geography, University of Gdańsk, 80-309, Gdańsk, Poland
Interests: tourism; events; economic geography; social capital

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The concept of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (EE) has recently attracted much scholarly attention [1–3]. According to Cohen [4] (p.3), EE is defined as “(…) an interconnected group of actors in a local geographic community committed to sustainable development through the support and facilitation of new sustainable ventures”. Studies showed that support from EE is essential for entrepreneurial activities in general and for sustainable entrepreneurship in particular [5,6]. Despite the elevated status of the external environment for entrepreneurship and significant academic achievements on this important study line [7,8], less research can be observed regarding the contextual factors of entrepreneurship in tourism and event studies [9–12]. Such contextual factors might refer to specific financial, legal, institutional, and regulatory frameworks in tourism and events as well as to destination-related factors such as historical, cultural, and socioeconomic background. The purpose of this Special Issue is to expand entrepreneurial ecosystem research in tourism and events. This can result in a better understanding of: (a) how the notion of EE in tourism and events can be conceptualized, (b) how EE in tourism and events can be managed, and (c) how they can better contribute to entrepreneurship and innovation in tourism and events.

We welcome original research, review articles, as well as case studies related but not limited to the following topics:

Tourism and events entrepreneurship;
Creation and development of entrepreneurial ecosystems in tourism and events;
Factors impacting entrepreneurial ecosystems in tourism and events;
Sustainable innovation and business ecosystems in tourism and events;
Digitalization, online communities, and virtual events in an era of uncertainty;
Innovation networks and communities;

Policy measures for tourism and events development;
Financial capital in the service of tourism and events;
Logistic advancements and the integration of tourism networks.

References:

Fredin, S.; Lidén, A. Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Towards a Systemic Approach to Entrepreneurship? Geografisk Tidsskrift-Danish Journal of Geography 2020, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/00167223.2020.1769491.
Alvedalen, J.; Boschma, R. A Critical Review of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Research: Towards a Future Research Agenda. European Planning Studies 2017, 25 (6), 887–903. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2017.1299694.
Bichler, B. F.; Kallmuenzer, A.; Peters, M. Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Hospitality: The Relevance of Entrepreneurs’ Quality of Life. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management 2020, 44, 152–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2020.06.009.
Cohen, B. Sustainable valley entrepreneurial ecosystems. Business Strategy and the Environment 2006, 15(1), 1-14.
Gast, J.; Gundolf, K.; Cesinger, B. Doing Business in a Green Way: A Systematic Review of the Ecological Sustainability Entrepreneurship Literature and Future Research Directions. Journal of Cleaner Production 2017, 147, 44–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.01.065.
Bank, N.; Fichter, K.; Klofsten, M. Sustainability-Profiled Incubators and Securing the Inflow of Tenants – The Case of Green Garage Berlin. Journal of Cleaner Production 2017, 157, 76–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.04.123.
Covin, J. G.; Slevin, D. P. Strategic Management of Small Firms in Hostile and Benign Environments. Strategic Management Journal 1989, 10 (1), 75–87. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250100107.
Griffin, R. W. Fundamentals of Management; Cengage Learning, 2013.
Koh, K. Y.; Hatten, T. S. The Tourism Entrepreneur: The Overlooked Player in Tourism Development Studies. International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration 2002, 3 (1), 21–48. https://doi.org/10.1300/J149v03n01_02.
Russell, R.; Faulkner, B. Entrepreneurship, Chaos and the Tourism Area Lifecycle. Annals of Tourism Research 2004, 31 (3), 556–579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2004.01.008.
Koh, K. Y. Tourism Entrepreneurship: People, Place, and Process. Tourism Analysis 2006, 11 (2), 115–131. https://doi.org/10.3727/108354206778001521.
Moscardo, G. Tourism and Community Leadership in Rural Regions: Linking Mobility, Entrepreneurship, Tourism Development and Community Well-Being. Tourism Planning and Development 2014, 11 (3), 354–370. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2014.890129.

Prof. Dr. Gregory Kwiatkowski
Dr. Julia Ziółkowska
Guest Editors

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Keywords

tourism
events
entrepreneurial development
networking
Triple-Helix
regional development

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 1076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Configurational Paths of Leadership Competency Shortages and 4.0 Leadership Effectiveness: An fs/QCA Study

by Anna Kwiotkowska, Radosław Wolniak, Bożena Gajdzik and Magdalena Gębczyńska

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2795; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052795 - 27 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3316

Abstract

This study examines various leadership competency shortages, such as shortages in strategic perspective; critical analysis and self-vision; managing resources, communication, and achieving results; empowering and developing teams; self-awareness and intuitiveness; and sensitivity—all of which influence problems with 4.0 leadership effectiveness. The effectiveness of 4.0 leadership was assessed in the article in relation to the effectiveness of the leadership style and its relevance to Industry 4.0. The data sample considered 86 small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in Poland. The analysis used a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) methodology, which allows for identifying a configuration of causes that lead to the analysed outcome. The innovativeness of the research carried out lies in the fact that the authors examined the relations of deficiencies (gaps) of certain features attributed to leaders which are dependent on each other and which determine the effectiveness of the leader. The results support the argument that different configurations of leadership competency shortages lead to low 4.0 leadership effectiveness. Almost all configurations had a low leadership competence related to strategic perspective. The position we present regarding the configurations of competency shortages and leadership effectiveness is important for considering the development of the profile of leaders in organizations. The research presented complements the characteristics of leaders in the context of building an Industry 4.0 organization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Tourism and Events)

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22 pages, 2048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards an Ecosystem of Hospitality: The Dynamic Future of Destinations

by Julian Philipp, Hannes Thees, Natalie Olbrich and Harald Pechlaner

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020821 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4030

Abstract

Digitalization, new work and leisure concepts and global challenges are transforming the way we live. More stakeholders, including residents and entrepreneurs, actively participate in the implementation of alternative socio-economic concepts; as such, entrepreneurial ecosystems are seen as drivers of regional development. The research still lacks holistic approaches to the application of ecosystems in tourism destinations. Hence, the objectives of this article are to capture research on entrepreneurial ecosystems in tourism and, specifically, to derive a holistic model that integrates destination and location management across stakeholders. This research utilizes the method of a systematic literature review, starting with 597 articles on ecosystems. Following four stages of exploring the literature, the results show that most articles have been published in rather isolated fields of smart tourism or quality of life aspects. Based on the rather qualitative review that reveals specific ecosystem components, we propose a model of an “Ecosystem of Hospitality” (EoH). Focusing on stakeholder interaction and encounters, the EoH fosters the adoption of the entrepreneurial ecosystem to destinations in a dynamic approach. The practical implications are, for example, a broader consideration of various stakeholders, including the local population, and a switch in typical destination management tasks from mere tourism service production to regional development and living space management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Tourism and Events)

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18 pages, 991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Finding Opportunities in Uncertain Times. The Case Study of a Tourist Guides Venture in the EU

by Julia Ziółkowska

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 12959; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132312959 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2433

Abstract

In times of uncertainty, new ideas, concepts and business solutions are born. The crisis caused by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a wide impact on the tourism sector, from small-scale to multinational companies. Based on an explanatory case study of a tourist guides venture, the paper seeks evidence on how conditions such as social capital, the use of information technologies and the application of new organizational solutions can support entrepreneurship at times of crisis. The paper provides insight into the functioning of Guides without Borders—a venture bringing together over 50 tourist guides. The research is based on the case study methodology supported by semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Findings indicate that despite harsh times, social ties, trust and technology can leverage an organization. The research also confirms that the application of an innovative approach to the organizational structure and processes (in accordance with the concept of teal organizations) is beneficial at times of crisis. Thus, the organizational approach adapted by the studied organization can serve as an example for future tourist guides and other professionals’ undertakings in uncertain times. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Tourism and Events)

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27 pages, 401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Political and Historical Determinants of the Differentiation of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems of Agritourism in Poland and Kazakhstan

by Jan A. Wendt, Sergey V. Pashkov, Elżbieta Mydłowska and Agnieszka Bógdał-Brzezińska

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10487; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810487 - 21 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2665

Abstract

(1) Background: In the context of differences among countries developing pre-entrepreneurship ecosystems in relation to agritourism, the need to define the specific challenges and facilitators in the group of post-communist countries is recognised. Given that, we aim to examine the differences between the countries belonging to the former USSR and the satellite countries of the former USSR. (2) Methods: For the realisation of the intended objective, we analysed studies of the literature on the subject, in terms of the theoretical treatment of the entrepreneurial eco-system in the field of agritourism, and current legal acts. Our own observations from stays in the regions in question were also used, along with statistical methods concerning the density of the transport network, comparative analysis of historical and political conditions, and SWOT analysis. (3) Results: Substantial differences were found between the components of the agritourism entrepreneurship ecosystem in Poland and Kazakhstan, primarily related to the level of transport infrastructure density (satisfactory in West Pomeranian Voivodeship, insufficient in North Kazakhstan), tradition of individual farming (well established in Poland, poorly present in Kazakhstan), support for agritourism development by central and local authorities (relatively high in Poland, incidental and with a short history in Kazakhstan), and finally, differences in the target group of agritourism service recipients (stable in Poland, undefined in Kazakhstan). (4) Conclusions: The research leads to the conclusion of the heterogeneity of the determinants of the development of the agritourism entrepreneurship ecosystem in countries collectively defined as post-communist. There are clearly different challenges and facilitations resulting not so much from the past political system as from the ethnic-historical considerations, the position of agriculture in the economy, and the degree and effectiveness of the involvement of administrative authorities in the development of agritourism. The study leads to a recommendation on the need for more efficient targeting of agritourism consumers abroad. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Tourism and Events)

13 pages, 242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Festival Exhibitors’ Business Motivation

by Dorota Janiszewska and Luiza Ossowska

Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4920; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094920 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3452

Abstract

This paper aims to present the motivation of exhibitors participating in food festivals to establish and run a business. The conducted research is an attempt to fill the gap in research on exhibitors who participate in food festivals. During three different Polish culinary festivals, 58 in-depth interviews with exhibitors were conducted. Based on the research, the main startup business motives were identified. The current goals of exhibitors’ participation in culinary festivals were also analyzed. Based on the list of motives and goals, three groups of exhibitors were distinguished with similar characteristics (starting own business, continuation of family traditions, and culinary interest). The study also takes into account the changes that have occurred between the startup’s business motives and the goals of participation in the festival (“business-business”, “business-business-business-family”, and “business-passion-passion-business”). The comparison of the initial motives for setting up a business with the current goals of participating in food festivals shows that, regardless of the initial motives, the exhibitors currently focus on business goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Tourism and Events)

20 pages, 4244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Central Element of Europe’s Football Ecosystem: Competitive Intensity in the “Big Five”

by Fabio Wagner, Holger Preuss and Thomas Könecke

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3097; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063097 - 11 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3155

Abstract

This study perceives professional European football as one of the most relevant event-related entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) worldwide. It also identifies a healthy sporting competition in the five most popular European football leagues (Spain, England, Germany, Italy, and France), the “big five,” as a key pillar for the functioning of this ecosystem. By applying a quantitative approach, competitive intensity (CI) is measured for all big five leagues for 21 seasons (1998/99 to 2018/19). The chosen method does not only convey an overall indication of the competitive health of the entire league but also provides detailed information on the four important sub-competitions (championship race, qualification for Champions League or Europa League, and the fight against relegation). In all five leagues, seasonal CI tends to decrease over time, and especially over the last decade. The main reason is a decline in the intensity of the championship race while all other sub-competitions show relatively robust CI values. Overall, it can be concluded that the competitive health of the big five is intact, but the dwindling CI of the championship races can harm the EE of professional European football in the long run. Accordingly, it should be closely monitored in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Tourism and Events)

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