Unlocking Potential: Macro Insights Into the Evolution of a Multi-Destination Tourism Innovation Network
基于中国长三角21年面板数据，分析多目的地旅游创新网络从松散到紧密的演化过程，发现地理邻近、旅游发展基础等促进网络连接，而经济和技术差异则起抑制作用，区域经济趋同是关键驱动力。
This study investigates the evolution of a multi-destination tourism innovation network, focusing on the city destination as the unit of analysis. We analyzed a 21-year panel dataset of China’s Yangtze River Delta’s tourism innovation network. Results show that the network has evolved from simplicity and looseness to complexity and compactness. Geographical proximity, differences in tourism development foundations, research institutes, and research investments have a positive impact on network evolution, while economic and technological differences exert a negative influence, albeit with varying degrees of impact at different stages. Notably, the convergence of regional economies emerges as a critical driver of network connections. The study broadens the scope of tourism innovation research from a macro perspective. Findings suggest that developed cities should lead regional tourism innovation, promote openness, and engage with less-developed cities, while local governments within the network should support coordinated growth and invest in inter-city transportation and developing tourism resources.