Networks, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer in Tourism Industry: An Empirical Study of SMEs in Portugal

The present study aims to investigate how commercialisation and knowledge transfer between the SMEs of tourism sector higher education institutions (HEIs) are made, as well find out whether part networks, what their motivations are. We used a qualitative methodology, applying triangulation method eight one HEI. results indicate that HEIs not effective. regional networks business innovation; however, they do participate in R&D activities with HEIs. Some suggestions were made SMEs, HEIs, governments speed up sector. adapted Triple Helix Model sector, thus creating “Triple Tourism Context”. Only few studies have researched gap this article compensate.