Tourism and cross border regional innovation systems

While the impact of the geographic conditions of cross border regions on learning processes have recently attracted attention, the potential contribution of tourism and its mobilities to facilitating innovative processes in cross border regions has been ignored. The paper examines the role of tourism knowledge transfer and innovation in the context of European cross border regional innovation systems. It questions whether intensive movement of people, across relatively open international borders, influences knowledge transfer and diffusion of innovations. A conceptual framework including aspects related to mobility, connectivity, internationalisation, socio-cultural proximity and governance dimensions is suggested for future research studies. The paper highlights possible implications for EU cross border regional funded initiatives and policies.

► Exploress the potential contribution of tourism to cross border innovation systems. ► Suggests tourism mobilities facilitate knowledge transfer in cross border regions. ► Identifies aspects affecting learning between actors in cross border regions. ► Suggests future research agenda and policy implications in the EU context.