Applications of open innovation models in the tourist sector: Canary Islands experiences

The purpose of this article is to present some applications of open innovation methods in the Canary Islands. The authors set out to verify the hypothesis that open innovation methods can foster the growth of innovative culture in participating companies and generate new ideas and projects. The study is based on qualitative data collected through observation and during interviews with those responsible for organizing open innovation programs in the Canary Islands, closely related to the tourism sector. The authors identify benefits derived from new ideas and innovative projects, which help to generate competitive advantages. They conclude that the application of open innovation methods has stimulated innovative culture in tourism companies that have been able to develop innovative projects. Open innovation can therefore be regarded as an effective method of creating collaborative environments for different stakeholders involved in the process that can generate benefits for all parties involved.