Propelling the sustainable evolution of the tourism ecosystem

On 4 February 2022, DG GROW unveiled the Transition Pathway for Tourism (TTP), a collaborative initiative with key stakeholders within the tourism ecosystem. This comprehensive plan outlines essential actions, targets, and conditions vital for achieving green and digital transitions, ensuring the long-term resilience of the sector.

Transition pathways, in this context, serve as meticulously structured frameworks that delineate the necessary steps, actions, and objectives for a successful transition from one state to another. Facilitating this transition is the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), which operates under the delegated powers of the European Commission. EISMEA is dedicated to providing support and oversight throughout the execution of this transformative pathway.

A robust online platform by EISMEA

In pursuing these objectives, EISMEA recognised the need for a robust online platform to facilitate and maintain effective communication and collaboration among diverse public and private stakeholders. This platform would serve as a user-friendly hub, empowering stakeholders to navigate and contribute to the objectives and actions identified through the Transition Pathway. This initiative aims to foster a collective effort towards achieving the outlined goals, further propelling the sustainable evolution of the tourism ecosystem.

To better understand the concept of industrial ecosystems and their significance in this context, exploring their role in fostering collaboration and innovation is crucial. Industrial ecosystems refer to interconnected networks of businesses, suppliers, and institutions within a specific industry or geographical area. These ecosystems promote synergies, knowledge exchange, and resource optimisation, thereby contributing to the overall resilience and competitiveness of the involved entities.

The primary objectives of the platform

The pivotal task of developing this platform has been entrusted to Hypertech S.A., reflecting our commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of diverse EU agencies and organisations. Recognising the overarching importance of this initiative, the primary objectives for the platform's development can be outlined as follows:

Relevant content accessibility: The platform aims to empower users by providing seamless access to pertinent and up-to-date content about their specific industrial ecosystem. This encompasses a wide range of knowledge items tailored to the unique requirements of each community.
Collaborative workspaces: Users will be offered the capability to engage in direct collaboration through both private and public groups or workspaces. This feature seeks to enhance the collaborative potential within industrial ecosystems, fostering shared knowledge and coordinated efforts.
Interactive communication: The platform facilitates user-to-user communication through dedicated discussion forums. This functionality is designed to promote open dialogue, idea exchange, and the cultivation of a vibrant community within each industrial ecosystem.

Gazing to the future

While the initial implementation will cater specifically to the Tourism ecosystem, it is imperative to underscore that the platform's scope extends far beyond this sector. Our development approach is forward-looking, envisioning a platform capable of accommodating separately managed content types for various industrial ecosystem communities, such as agri-food and health. What sets this platform apart is its scalability, featuring a plug-and-play community setup process that obviates additional development. This foresight means that the development of this platform isn't confined to benefiting only the Tourism sector; instead, it holds intrinsic value for all industrial ecosystems. This transformative endeavour aims to lay the foundation for a collaborative, interconnected landscape that amplifies the resilience and efficacy of diverse industrial communities.

Recognising the inherent diversity within each ecosystem community, our commitment to user-centricity extends to ensuring that the platform caters to the varied needs, interests, and goals of its diverse stakeholder audience. Central to this vision is the incorporation of personalised experiences for each user, a fundamental aspect that underscores the platform's user-friendly approach.

Imagine logging into the platform and being greeted with a dashboard curated just for you—tailored to your specific interests and goals. This personalised view is more than a feature; it's a commitment to delivering value that matters to you. By harnessing stakeholder interests, the platform is engineered to dynamically propose content and connections that align with your unique requirements.

In simple terms, every user gets a virtual space that resonates with their objectives. If you're seeking information or opportunities related to a specific aspect of your industrial ecosystem, the platform ensures that this is front and centre in your experience. Moreover, connecting with others who share similar interests becomes an intuitive and enriching experience, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Key features and functionalities

Key features and functionalities of the platform include:

Collaborative documents: Users can collaboratively create and edit documents in real-time, fostering collective information consolidation on specific topics.
Discussion forum: Users can engage in vibrant conversations, share information, and discuss topics within a virtual space, promoting community interaction and collaborative knowledge exchange.
Commitments and pledges: Organisations can make formal promises to undertake specific actions or adhere to principles, showcasing dedication to fulfilling obligations, pursuing goals, or supporting initiatives.
News and articles: Users can access informative content offering updates on events, trends, and transition pathways, providing valuable insights, analysis, and perspectives tailored to user interests.
Notifications: Users will receive real-time alerts or messages, keeping them informed about updates, events, or relevant information based on their interests.
User workspaces: Collaborate efficiently in a centralised space, facilitating document editing and coordinated efforts, enhancing productivity in a collaborative work setting.

In conclusion, the development of this innovative platform stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustainable growth through technological solutions. By embracing the principles of user-centricity and scalability, we envision a future where this platform not only transforms the Tourism sector but becomes a catalyst for positive change across all industrial communities.