Proposal for ECIV Matchmaking – Participation as Partner (Tourism, digitalization and circular economy)

Our current research focuses specifically on tourism and is based on the following working hypothesis:

The transition toward circular and smart tourism ecosystems depends on the simultaneous interaction of multi-actor dynamics and different implementation levels: micro (circular and digital resources and capabilities of SMEs), meso (interorganizational cooperation), and macro (governance and institutional frameworks). This interaction creates networks and evolutionary pathways that can be measured, modeled, and predicted, enabling strategic interventions by both public authorities and business managers. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the maturity of the circular and digital tourism ecosystem, together with its positive environmental, social, and economic impacts.

From this perspective, we can contribute to projects through:

• Design and validation of maturity models for the circular and digital transition of tourism SMEs from an ecosystem perspective.

• Analysis of circular and digital resources and capabilities, eco-innovation, and adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in tourism.

• Development of conceptual and analytical frameworks for circular and smart tourism ecosystems.

• Application of mixed methods:
  (1) qualitative — semi-structured interviews, focus groups, content analysis, and Delphi studies with sector experts; and
  (2) quantitative — multivariate analysis, causal modeling, structural equation modeling (SEM), and predictive approaches.

• Generation of scientific evidence and actionable recommendations for public policy, tourism businesses, and other ecosystem stakeholders.

• Modeling, evaluation, and measurement of the impacts of circular and digital transitions in tourism, including interpretation of results to support strategic decision-making.

2. What we are seeking within the consortium (planned activities)

We aim to join a consortium led by another organization, primarily contributing in:

• Work packages related to analysis, diagnosis, and assessment of circular economy and digitalization in tourism.

• Design and validation of indicators, metrics, and assessment and maturity models applicable to tourism SMEs and destinations.

• Applied research activities, methodological validation, and results analysis.

• Scientific support for pilots and case studies, ensuring methodological rigor, impact assessment, and scalability.

• Development of strategic and public policy recommendations grounded in empirical evidence and aligned with the sustainable transition of tourism.

We are particularly interested in projects with an ecosystem-based, multi-actor approach focused on tourism SMEs.

3. Types of partners we are interested in

We seek to collaborate with partners leading or supporting the practical implementation of the project, especially in tourism, such as:

• Technology companies and providers of digital and Industry 4.0 solutions for tourism.

• Tourism SMEs and business associations engaged in circular and digital transition processes.

• Public authorities, regional development agencies, and organizations supporting innovation and sustainable tourism.

• Technology centers and applied research organizations with capabilities in piloting, demonstration, and knowledge transfer.

• Tourism ecosystem management entities (clusters, destinations, innovation platforms).

• Universities addressing challenges and opportunities for digitalization and the circular economy in the tourism sector

We particularly value consortia with a strong focus on impact, scalability, and transfer of results to both the business sector and public policymaking.