Regional Knowledge Potential and Tourism Innovation in Poland: A Multi-Criteria Analysis

Abstract

The paper investigates the knowledge-based determinants of tourism innovation potential in Polish regions and their relevance for smart tourism development. The primary objective is to assess how regional knowledge resources, learning capabilities, and information-processing conditions influence innovation readiness within the tourism sector. Tourism innovation potential is conceptualized not only as a set of infrastructural or technological indicators but also as a component of regional knowledge ecosystems that enable the creation, diffusion, and practical application of knowledge in tourism-related activities. The analysis is based on statistical data from the Polish Central Statistical Office, including indicators related to the information society, research and experimental development, and enterprise innovation activity, complemented by selected tourism-related variables. Together, these indicators form an operational framework for assessing how regions accumulate, manage, and utilize knowledge resources relevant to tourism innovation. To measure this potential, the study applies a multi-criteria decision-making approach combining Hellwig’s method and the TOPSIS method. Eleven diagnostic variables were selected, including ten stimulants and one destimulant. Both methods generate standardized synthetic measures of knowledge-based tourism potential within the range [0,1]. Based on these measures, Polish regions were classified into four typological groups representing different levels of knowledge maturity, absorptive capacity, and innovation readiness. A further stage of the analysis examines the relationship between knowledge-driven innovation potential and actual tourism performance. Two indicators of tourist movement were used: the density of tourist movement (WG) and Schneider’s tourism intensity index (WS). Spearman’s rank correlation analysis indicates a strong positive relationship (rs = 0.90–0.95), suggesting that regions more effective in mobilizing and utilizing knowledge resources tend to attract higher tourist flows. At the same time, several regions with only moderate knowledge potential record relatively high tourism activity, which may reflect effective knowledge-management practices, institutional learning mechanisms, or strong regional cooperation networks. The findings reveal significant regional disparities in the creation and utilization of knowledge within the Polish tourism sector and highlight the importance of strengthening regional knowledge-management systems-such as digital infrastructure, innovation networks, and mechanisms of knowledge exchange - to enhance regional competitiveness and support smart tourism development.