Valentina Ndou

DMS business models design and destination configurations: choice and implementation issues.

Destinations differ in the modalities of coordination and collaboration, the intensity of interactions, local tourism supply organization and skill sets, technological structure, and, more generally, on the e-Readiness of the entire system. These features may affect the viability and success of destination management systems (DMS). This article argues that for successful embarkation in e-Business, the choice and design of DMS business models should be aligned to destination-specific characteristics. With this aim, a theoretical framework for the identification of DMS business models suitable to the different configurations of destinations is presented. The conclusions will show that this framework is not static, but it follows and represents an evolutionary e-Business implementation pattern for destinations.

Creating value from Social Big Data: Implications for Smart Tourism Destinations

Abstract This paper aims to demonstrate how the huge amount of Social Big Data available from tourists can nurture the value creation process for a Smart Tourism Destination. Applying a multiple-case study analysis, the paper explores a set of regional tourist experiences related to a Southern European region and destination, to derive patterns and opportunities of value creation generated by Big Data in tourism. Findings present and discuss evidence in terms of improving decision-making, creating marketing strategies with more personalized offerings, transparency and trust in dialogue with customers and stakeholders, and emergence of new business models. Finally, implications are presented for researchers and practitioners interested in the managerial exploitation of Big Data in the context of information-intensive industries and mainly in Tourism.

Toward an open network business approach

The aim of this paper is to propose a dynamic integrated approach, based on modularity concept and on the business ecosystem approach, that exploit different eBusiness services for SMEs under an open business network platform. The adoption of this approach enables firms to collaborate locally for delivering the best product/service to the customers as well as globally by accessing international markets, interrelate directly with the customers, create relationships and collaborate with worldwide actors. The paper will be structured as following: We will start by offering an overview of the state of the art of eBusiness platforms among SME of food and tourism firms and then we discuss the main drawbacks that characterize them. The digital business ecosystem approach and the modularity concept will be described as the theoretical ground in which our proposed integrated model is rooted. Finally, the proposed model along with a discussion of the main value creation potentialities it might create for SMEs will be presented.

Toward a sectoral system of innovation for local wine sector

This paper analyses the innovativeness and competitiveness of the wine sector in a specific local area through the perspective of the sectoral system of innovation. The aim of this paper is to analyse, using a case study approach, the main factors that affect the competition of wine business and the strategic guidelines for enhancing the competitiveness of local wines productions on the global markets. In the first part of the paper, we present the main literature review regarding the most important features and dynamics of the wine business environment and the sectoral systems of innovation framework. In the second part the methodology implied in this research as well as the results of the case studies are presented. Finally, we discuss the implications of sectoral systems of innovation for the novelty and competitiveness of the wine business.

Tailoring DMS Business Models to Destination Configurations

Destinations differ in the modalities of coordination and collaboration, the intensity of interactions, local tourism supply organization and skill set, technological structure, and more in general, on the e-Readiness the entire system. Those features may affect the viability and success of Destination Management Systems. So, this paper argues that for a successful embarkation in e-Business, the choice and design of DMS Business models should be aligned to destination peculiar characteristics. In this aim a theoretical framework for the identification of DMS business models suitable to the different destinations configurations is presented. The conclusions will show as this framework is not static, but it follows and represents an evolutionary e-business implementation pattern for destinations.

Challenges for Instilling Entrepreneurial Mindset in Scientists and Engineers: What Works in European Universities?

The development of entrepreneurial mindsets in graduated students with science and engineering backgrounds represents an emerging priority for the higher education systems. However, this dimension is still in infancy, especially in Europe. Aimed to contribute at this debate, the study provides evidences on how European universities are approaching this goal. Based on a cross-case analysis of 22 post-graduated programs, the study explores the emerging trends and the “invariance” traits adopted to develop high qualified human capital with an entrepreneurial mindset. Implications for theory and practice include the most pressing challenges for universities involved in their transitions towards an entrepreneurial configuration.

To what extent the practice on living labs match with the theoretical framework? The case of VINCENTE Living Lab for the creation of technology entrepreneurship

On the basis of a synthetic review of the literature about the Living Labs phenomenon, the article investigates to what extent the theoretical approach finds a coherent application in the reality. Focusing on 15 Italian living labs associated to the ENoLL, the study addresses a comparative analysis based on a set of features extracted from the literature. In providing a significant overview of the Italian experience in terms of Living Labs, the study focuses on their implications for the development of entrepreneurial competencies by leveraging on user centrality and public-private networking. Starting from this analysis, the case of VINCENTE Living Lab is presented, by highlighting the technology entrepreneurship dimension that represents the core process for the intelligent growth in the knowledge economy scenarios.

Designing Digital Marketplaces for Competitiveness of SMEs in Developing Countries

We examine the importance and the role that digital marketplaces play for SMEs in developing countries. By building on the literature of digital marketplace and business models we argue that the features of the context shape the type of the business models applicable for digital marketplaces. We suggest that before designing a digital marketplace initiative it is necessary to undertake a context assessment that ensures a better understanding of the firms’ preparedness to the usage of this kind of platforms in terms of technological infrastructure, human resources’ capabilities and skills, integration and innovation level among firms. It is essential to start with feasible initiatives and build up steadily the qualifications necessary for facing hindrances. However, starting at the right point and in the right way doesn’t automatically guarantee success and competitive advantage of SMEs, but can represent a way to start admitting the fundamental role of the innovation in a high complex environment.

Women Entrepreneurship and Digital Technologies: Towards a Research Agenda

Purpose The aim of this paper is underline how the new emerging digital technologies could be of great value in expanding the opportunities for women entrepreneurship by supporting them in overcoming the constrains they face as well as in creating more favorable network environment. This is creating the conditions for a new phenomenon called Digital Women Entrepreneurship. Methodology A qualitative literature review in relation to women entrepreneurship activities and the emergence of digital technologies is performed. Findings Specifically the contribution and the impact provided by the Digital Technologies will be analyzed for women entrepreneurship. A holistic interpretative framework for analyzing Digital Women Entrepreneurship is proposed. A conceptual discussion on how the Digital Technologies opportunities could be valuable in overcoming some of the constrains women tackle in their entrepreneurship process and which are the main research streams that emerge for future investigation on the theme. Originality/value Even if the literature on Women Entrepreneurship is well covered, to our best knowledge the intersection between the two fields remains unexplored. The paper provides a contribution in this direction, identifying new trends and future directions for research. Practical implications The major implication is to advance knowledge and practice in the area of gender in management and use of Digital Technologies by focusing upon empirical research, theoretical developments, practice and current issues. Benefits are related to a better understanding of the debate on “Gender and Management” themes by reconsidering networking activities with social media.

A methodological framework to assess social media strategies of event and destination management organizations

ABSTRACT Social media have become an indispensable tool for promoting events and tourist destinations, but some tourism organizations are still unable to exploit their full potential. The present research addresses this issue and proposes a methodological framework that could help managers increase users’ online engagement with tourist events and destinations’ social media sites. In two distinct studies, this research identifies content- and format-related characteristics that trigger users’ engagement, here assessed in the form of message liking, commenting, and sharing. Study 1 examines the messages posted on the official Facebook page of a religious event celebrated in a Southern Italian region. Study 2 examines a sample of tweets posted on the official Twitter pages of the same region’s main tourism promotion agency. The results identify features that may increase the effectiveness of social media managers’ promotional efforts, and also highlight differences across the two platforms.