Knowledge and Technology Transfer in Tourism SMEs

Theoretical Background Of Knowledge Transfer In Tourism

The transfer of knowledge in the tourism sector is a relatively recent issue. In this sense it is important to have some general notions before we approach the subject in the tourism sector. For this it is important to know what is meant by knowledge and transfer of knowledge.

Knowledge can be defined as a fluid combination of framed experiences, values, contextual information, and expert insights that provide a framework for assessing and incorporating new experiences and information (Davenport & Prusak, 1998). The knowledge transfer can be understood as an act of transferring knowledge from one entity to another. The transfer can be carried out within and between companies, between public and private sector organizations, between producers and clients (tourists), local community and between this community and tourist organizations. In the literature, many channels are identified through which knowledge can flow, such as seminars, observations, trade press and trade associations, labor mobility and networks (Czernek, 2017; Shaw & Williams, 2009; Weidenfeld, Williams, & Butler, 2010).