The Knowledge Transfer between Tourism Economy and Other Industries

Abstract

Purpose. Analysis and assessment of the processes of transferring knowledge from an external environment to tourism economy, as well as within tourism economy itself. Particular attention is paid to the exchange of knowledge between the tourism sector and academic environment. Method. Individual in-depth interviews with experts with at least ten years of experience in the tourism industry. Findings. In the respondents’ opinions, the knowledge transfer in Poland takes place primarily within the tourism economy. The results indicate that it is tacit knowledge that the tourism industry considers to be strategic and which it alternatively seeks. Experts emphasize the weak links between Poland’s tourism sector and the scientific environment, which is also observed in highly developed markets. The key barriers of the knowledge transfer from a scientific environment to tourism economy: the industry’s lack of will for acquiring knowledge, especially the formal type; the inadequate form and time of formal knowledge contribution; the externalization of the academia’s knowledge occurs too late in relation to the needs of tourism economy subjects. The research and conclusion limitations. The qualitative research of an exploratory nature does not allow for generalizations. It is a starting point for explanatory research. Practical implications. Close cooperation of the tourism industry with the academic environment is recommend. Academians should be aware of the sector’s gaps in knowledge, carry out up to date research and applicative results should be transmitted to those interested in an appropriate form and time. The circulation of information should also comprise administration, thus knowledge should be transferred within the triangle: tourism and other sectors, academics, administration. Due to the specificity of the tourism sector, knowledge transfer seems to be most effective at a regional level. Originality. An attempt to elaborate a model of knowledge transfer to the tourism industry and within it at three levels: micro, mezo and macro. Type of paper: An article presenting the theoretical concepts, largely based on English literature, exemplified by the results of in-depth individual interviews.