Relational university, learning and entrepreneurship ecosystems for sustainable tourism
Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management
ISSN: 2053-4620
Article publication date: 30 May 2018
Issue publication date: 15 October 2019
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to offer a conceptual model for the development of a teaching–learning experiential ecosystem which favors university entrepreneurship in the area of sustainable tourism and innovation acceleration.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is carried out in two phases. First, participatory action research in the context of the “Protocol and Event Organization” subject, included in the Tourism degree taught at the University of Alicante, analyzing a didactic experience as a case study. Second, primary qualitative and quantitative research.
Findings
Although at a small scale, it is shown that the relational approach for university management fosters entrepreneurship and generates social awareness regarding the sustainable tourism business.
Research limitations/implications
This is a local simulatory case on relational university and is based on only one subject. However, as a starting point, it has the following implications.
Practical implications
The authors contribute in a practical manner to model a learning and entrepreneurship ecosystem for configuring an education innovation agenda in the field of tourism, with the cooperation of all agents involved in this sector to accelerate novel entrepreneurships, as well as transitions, toward sustainability.
Social implications
The model is useful to accelerate new entrepreneurship and transitions toward sustainable regional development.
Originality/value
Students have led the process and have become quintessential relationatory agents, creating their own career opportunities on sustainable tourism, in addition to creating society–university links.
Keywords
Citation
Torres Valdés, R.M., Lorenzo Álvarez, C., Castro Spila, J. and Santa Soriano, A. (2019), "Relational university, learning and entrepreneurship ecosystems for sustainable tourism", Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 905-926. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTPM-03-2018-0032
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited