From Knowledge-Pools to Activated Networks: A Conceptual Approach to Absorptive-Capacities in a Rural Destination of Azerbaijan

Abstract

The conception of tourist destinations as knowledge-creating systems still shows substantial gaps, especially when it comes to destinations in Developing Countries. Building upon a theoretical enhancement of the concept of absorptive-capacity and backed by empirical findings from a rural destination of Azerbaijan, this paper presents a conceptual approach to model the activation of inter-organisational linkages as an ability of individual companies to recognise and valorise product-potentials in their destinations’ ecosystem. Using a triangulated methodology to analyse procedural, cultural and structural determinants for the absorption of innovation-knowledge, potentials for the creation of knowledge-networks are presented from the perspective of the Azerbaijani accommodation business.