Social innovation in tourism: a systematic literature review and the proposal of an analytical framework

Maurizio Busacca and Olga Tzatzadaki

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 2025, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-32

Abstract: PurposeThis paper aims to systematically analyse social innovation in tourism (SIT) by reviewing 65 publications. It explores SIT’s thematic, geographical and temporal scope; examines social needs, actor networks and governance; and proposes an analytical framework to guide future research and policymaking in tourism innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a systematic literature review of 65 articles and conference proceedings from Scopus and Web of Science. A two-level analysis was conducted: examining temporal, geographical and thematic trends, and identifying social needs, actor networks and governance dynamics. Findings inform an analytical framework for future research and policymaking.FindingsThe analysis reveals that social innovation (SI) in tourism addresses multiple individual and community needs, fosters experience-based activities linked to local traditions and relies on strong actor networks and governance structures. The study highlights the critical role of network consistency and local governance in the success or failure of SI initiatives.Research limitations/implicationsThe study offers a structured framework for analysing this topic, guiding future research on actor networks, governance and community impacts.Practical implicationsPractically, it supports policymakers and practitioners in addressing the needs and obstacles faced by local hospitality communities regarding social innovation, inclusivity and the promotion of local cultural heritage.Originality/valueBy integrating micro-, meso-, and macro-level analyses, this study advances theoretical understanding and provides practical insights for future research and policymaking.

Keywords: Social innovation in tourism; Analytical framework; Tourism innovation research; Systematic literature review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.emerald.com/jec/article/20/1/1/1275689 ... tourism-a-systematic (text/html)
https://www.emerald.com/jec/article-pdf/20/1/1/10076226/jec-02-2025-0041en.pdf (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:jecpps:jec-02-2025-0041

DOI: 10.1108/JEC-02-2025-0041

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy is currently edited by Prof Leo Dana and Andrea Caputo

More articles in Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy from Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Emerald Support ().