Fonte: Journal of Tourism & Development; n. 15 (2011); 11-26
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Resumo: Departing from the theoretical discussion of innovation and tourism systems, this article discusses the role of innovation in the development of the Algarve, Portuguese region well-known for its tourism specialization. Public policies are giving much attention to innovation, reinforcing its importance as inductor of competitiveness, what is reflected, for example, in the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF). Several studies had found evidences of the limited performance regarding innovative activities at national and regional scale. The Algarve appears in this context with specific restrictions and capabilities to structure a regional innovation system, an ambition expressed in regional strategic documents, such as the Operational Program Algarve 21 or the Regional Innovation Plan. In the article some important aspects to characterize innovation are identified. Tourism is presented as a crucial group of activities to regional growth which need to introduce innovative routines and rationales to guarantee an upgrade of the sector, through the differentiation and the introduction of new products, permitting the emergence of a Tourism Regional Innovation System.
