Perceptions of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Tourism Sector: A Study in Municipality of Setúbal

Introduction

There is a trend in public policies that inspires the creation of entrepreneurial ecosystems involving different types of social actors, as a tool to promote local development. This process requires regional environmental conditions, particularly the presence of important elements identified in this chapter, as well as an effective combination among them.

It seems that entrepreneurship ecosystems have not received significant research attention in the field of tourism (Xiao, 2006; Xiao & Smith, 2007). However, because of the importance of the tourism sector to in the development of both local and national economies, it is important to understand the functioning of the entrepreneurial ecosystems in regions where this sector is relevant. The present study tries to understand how tourism entrepreneurial ecosystem is perceived and operates in Setúbal municipality.

This study pretends, specifically, on what tourism entrepreneurial activity is concerned:

• 1.

  To know the environmental region’ conditions for its development;

• 2.

  To identify the elements that, combined, promote its development in the region;

• 3.

  To verify the region’ capability to develop innovated tourism products and services;

• 4.

  To understand its constraints;

• 5.

  To understand if the adequacy of entrepreneurial ecosystem elements in the region;

• 6.

  To understand the existence of networks and collaborative relationships in the region able to promote its development.

We believe that the results presented in this study can contribute to useful insights about the basic conditions needed in Setúbal region, to build a local entrepreneurial ecosystem, and develop a climate of cooperation among stakeholders.