Entrepreneurial ecosystem in tourism
The content considers a new conceptualisation of entrepreneurial ecosystems in tourism. Solutions are sought to eliminate deficiencies in understanding the environment within which the physical and virtual elements of entrepreneurial ecosystems in tourism interact and change. Emphasis is placed on the identification of key characteristics and stakeholders within entrepreneurial ecosystems, which are observed from the perspective of “tourism as a system”. The entrepreneurial ecosystem approach emphasises the role of entrepreneurship in economic policy, focusing on the importance of entrepreneurs as central players in the creation and maintenance of the system.
Students are required to work in groups to prepare, submit, and present a previously approved seminar paper that includes elements of research. Each student analyses specific components of the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the destination from which they originate, focusing on selected institutional, technological, and stakeholder-related aspects. Based on these individual analyses, the group jointly evaluates the findings and decides on the most appropriate area for launching an entrepreneurial venture, which is then developed in detail as a single, integrated seminar paper. This process includes examining support institutions, opportunities for institutional support in tourism, the role of the academic community and technology, and key stakeholders (forms of cooperation, interests, financing sources, regulatory facilitators and barriers, and success criteria).
General learning outcomes
- To critically assess the role and interrelationships of destination system stakeholders in the process of strategic planning.
- To critically assess the impact of relevant trends on the tourist destination system.
- To assess internal and external risks and their impact on the tourist destination system.
- To critically assess the impact of tourism on the sustainable development of destination systems.
- To critically assess key theories, paradigms, and concepts of entrepreneurship.
- To review the influence of key factors in the development and success of organisations related to tourism.
- To critically assess the importance of entrepreneurial activities for the development of the tourist destination as a whole.
- To determine the importance of social entrepreneurship in tourism.
- To critically assess the possibilities of applying technological solutions that contribute to more efficient management of the resources of the tourist destination.
- To critically assess the possibilities of applying technological solutions that can improve the accessibility of the tourist destination.
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On-site training at: |
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| Assessment method: | Seminar paper & Presentation |
| Prerequisites for participating students: | Students are expected to have advanced knowledge of entrepreneurship and/or management, including fundamental concepts such as entrepreneurial opportunity recognition, innovation, and business models.
In addition, advanced understanding of tourism and destination systems (e.g. key tourism stakeholders and destination development) is recommended, as the course adopts a systemic perspective on tourism. Students should also demonstrate readiness to engage in collaborative teamwork and to complete a seminar paper with elements of research, including basic skills in literature review, data collection, academic writing, and oral presentation skills, as well as the ability to cooperate effectively within a team, as seminar results are developed and presented jointly to peers. |
| Certification: | 6 ECTS & EU-CONEXUS certificate of attendance |
Thematic area:
Sustainable Tourism Development
Mentor:
Professor Božena Krce Miočić
University:
University of Zadar
Faculty/Department:
Department of Economics
Mentor’s email address:
PhD Leader:
Borna Buljan & Ana Grgica Knežević
PhD Leader’s email address:
Start date:
20/03/2026
Closing date:
03/06/2026
Deadline for applications:
17/03/2026 at 14.00 CET
Physical presence mandatory
NO
Duration of physical presence:
N\A
Only online courses:
YES
