The role of tourism innovation systems in inter-organisational knowledge transfer: Experiences from an Irish festival and event network

This research responds to calls in the literature for additional theorising and research on knowledge transfer in tourism and events and specifically examines the role of industry innovation systems in inter-organisational knowledge transfer. Contemporary strategic management and innovation research places much emphasis on the concept of knowledge and knowledge management and the importance of linking knowledge management to the strategic objectives of the organisation. Many modern organisations accept the notion of the knowledge economy and aspire to “evolve into a knowledge-generating, knowledge-integrating and knowledge-protecting organisation” (Teece, 2000). This emphasis on knowledge, and the management thereof, centres on creation, diffusion, storage and application of either existing or new knowledge sourced through an innovation system for the purpose of achieving innovation. Using semi-structured interviews, qualitative data was collected from festival and event organisers who are, or have been, members the Association of Irish Festivals and Events (AOIFE) and other key stakeholders to elicit descriptions and contextualise experiences of festival organisers in inter-organisational knowledge transfer activities. Participant selection was determined using purposeful sampling, specifically criterion based sampling technique. Through NVIVO, an inductive form of analysis was used as it allows for, and in some ways celebrates, ambiguity and contradiction through development of holistic links between the variables. The paper’s findings suggest that inter-organisational knowledge transfer is stimulated by formal and informal contacts with AOIFE and stresses the importance of social relationships for new entrants to the industry for the purpose of production innovation and problem solving. The paper argues that continued loyalty to the innovation system is a function of leadership experience, the perceived quality of tacit and explicit knowledge available within the innovation system and the strength of social relationships formed within and outside of the innovation system.