Collaboration for innovation in tourism micro-firms

Collaboration for innovation is crucial for successful innovations in the tourism sector. Micro-firms constitute an extensive and vital part of the tourism system, although knowledge about them remains modest. Tourism micro-fìrms typically operate within small economic margins and are generally constrained by a lack of business- related skills and access to capital. In this context, meaningful collaborations can create opportunities and compensate for the lack of resources and missing skills and knowledge. This study contributes to tourism innovation research by analyzing the role and effect of different types of collaboration for innovation outcomes in the micro-firms context. The data set consists of a survey conducted among 216 tourism micro-firms in the Piedmontese cross-border territory between Italy and France. The empirical analysis carries out multiple logistic regressions. The results confirm the importance of collaborations for tourism microfirms in innovation activities. There is evidence that the frequency of collaborative relationships and the type of actors involved in the collaboration affect innovative activity. Some recommendations for universities, research centres and public institutions emerge.