Innovation and Collaboration: The Role of the National Government in Norway

Abstract

In recent years, innovation in tourism has become increasingly in focus as a strategy to gain competitive advantage. More studies in this area are still necessary as the role of the national government in such a process is still not well understood. This study focuses on the national government's role in stimulating networks and collaboration in order to encourage tourism innovation and its related activities. Based on the data gathered in Norway, the results of this study suggest that effective collaboration in terms of communication and networks is considered crucial in regard to tourism innovation at the national level. Four areas in which collaboration takes place were identified: collaboration within the government, public–private collaboration, collaboration among industry operators, and collaboration with other industries. Although its national government is keen to initiate such networks and collaboration, the results suggest that success is not solely determined by the national government. Public–private collaboration and encouraging collaboration among industry tourism operators have caught more government attention than the remaining two. Furthermore, the effectiveness of networks and collaboration as innovative processes to support tourism operators and contribute to destination development still needs to be further explored.