Knowledge Processes in Tourism (EURODITE and so what?) 1.Research setting: EURODITE and tourism 2.Conceptualising knowledge dynamics - briefly 3.Key results: Knowledge, tourism, and public policy 4.And so what? Henrik Halkier, Aalborg University,

RESEARCH SETTING Eurodite and tourism Policy concerns EU Lisbon strategy in practice: high-tech, big-science ? cluster-mania in policy communities across Europe EURODITE contributions network researching regional knowledge dynamics focus on seven selected sectors, including tourism sectoral / territorial knowledge dynamics firm-level case studies

CONCEPTUALISING KNOWLEDGE DYNAMICS knowledge types: different truth criteria –analytical, synthetic, symbolic knowledge phases: purpose of activity –exploration, examination, exploitation knowledge sites: location –explicit, complicit, implicit –individual, collective knowledge processes: drivers, strategies, institutions –regulation, markets, networks, corporate objectives –organisational, professional, markets, products/processes

EURODITE in North Jutland three case-studies af network development within tourism –Knowledge use/generation, knowledge geography, knowledge types Diverse case-studies –Culture/nature, short/long time span Endless interviews by willing volunteers –DMO development in Toppen af Danmark (PFH) - all-year tourism in Mariagerfjord (AT) - innovation in cultural heritage (LDO)

KNOWLEDGE DYNAMICS North Jutland and beyond AnalyticalSyntheticSymbolic Exploration(Market research) ExaminationMarket research ExploitationProduct development Promotion development

North Jutland and the rest Extensive mobilisation of tacit knowledge –Marketing, product development, organisational development Increasing network interaction, especially internally –Ownership/stakeholding central issues Coordination and competition between localities Room for improvement Use of regional/international knowledge resources –Knowledge about consumer/product trends –Short-termism KNOWLEDGE DYNAMICS North Jutland and beyond

Further research possibilities Knowledge in destination management processes –Making of policies between public/private/locality more of the same? more systematic international comparisons? External sources of knowledge in tourism development –Universities, consultants, WTO Knowledge and political agenda setting –The rise of experience economy policies Knowledge and north-south tour operators EURODITE and beyond ?