The systems approach to the improvement of innovation in Slovenian tourism
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyse whether and how the Development Plan and Policies of Slovenian Tourism (SiPlan) could be improved systematically and systemically, enabling more comprehensive management of innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were obtained within a comprehensive national innovation study. Data analysis was performed in four phases. In the initial phase, a link between the innovation project and SiPlan was established. In the next phase, which of the innovation factors are significantly correlated with the tourism destination development concept was identified. In the third phase, further policy potential for improving the innovation factors was identified. In the last phase, a systems approach was applied to develop a qualitative systems model, a causal loop diagram, taking into consideration the empirically identified strengths and weaknesses of the current SiPlan and other pertinent factors.
Findings
The results of empirical research indicate that SiPlan represents a valuable, but not optimum development model of Slovene tourism development. Therefore, the authors propose a qualitative tourism development model based on the research results and a systems dynamics methodology.
Originality/value
The work is important from the scientific point of view, i.e. as a methodology and research results that could be applied in further research activities. In addition, the results could be usefully used by policy makers by way of focusing on the most influential factors: policies that have a potential for the systems (holistic) and socially responsible development of tourism in Slovenia.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Slovenian Research Agency (Project code: J5-0425-7097-08).
Citation
Ropret, M., Jere Jakulin, T. and Likar, B. (2014), "The systems approach to the improvement of innovation in Slovenian tourism", Kybernetes, Vol. 43 No. 3/4, pp. 427-444. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-07-2013-0154
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited