Disruption, Innovation and New Phenomena

Disruption, Innovation & New Phenomena

Professorship of Applied Sciences

The world faces many challenges and changes, whether it is the emergence of new technologies such as light computing, stereolithography or programmable matter. Artificial Intelligence (AI), driven by the concept of technological singularity is full of unknowns and how the workplace and humanity will change. Technology has always advanced, such as developments in Revenue Management, Geographical Information Systems and Online Travel Agents which made the high street travel agent redundant.  

Demographic trends such as falling birth rates and an ageing population mean a different hospitality workforce and service provision. Climate change is a certainty and our approach and understanding of the trend is driving changing menus i.e., climate change diets or shaping the design of hotels through sustainable architecture.   

However, what is recognized is that the hospitality and tourism industries are adaptive and leaders of change. They are industries at the centre of innovation and new phenomena.  

At the core of the professorship is understanding the future of the hospitality and tourism industries through foresight, futureproofing and game changing. 

Be a global thought leader

The mission of the professorship in Disruption, Innovation and New Phenomena in Hospitality and Tourism is: 

The professorship sets out to be the global thought leader on disruption, innovation and new phenomena through making sense of the future of hospitality and tourism industries.

The aims of the professorship are:  

Using the process of scenario planning, forecasting and other foresight methodologies to make sense of the uncertainties of change and challenges of the future in order that the hospitality and tourism industries are futureproofed to recognize disruption, design innovative solutions which results in new phenomena and ideas;
Recognize that change is constant but moves at different paces. Thus, using the processes of critical examination and trends analysis to forecast change and communicate findings around the concepts of disruption, innovation and new phenomena;
To present findings and research about the future of the hospitality and tourism industry that demonstrates change which has both a theoretical underpinning and a clear application for industries. This means high quality academic publications AND shorter communication pieces which are both accessible, purposeful and have impact.

The principles of the professorship are:  

Seek collaboration and partnership that encourages a multidisciplinary approach to understand the complexities of Disruption, Innovation and New Phenomena;
Recognize the importance of transformational thinking and changes as a driver of Disruption, Innovation and New Phenomena; 
Be at the forefront of the conversation about Disruption, Innovation and New Phenomena that enhances the reputation of the Hotel Management School and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences at a global level; 
Support, develop and build human capabilities, both student and academic colleagues around the concepts of Disruption, Innovation and New Phenomena; 
Embed the concepts of Disruption, Innovation and New Phenomena within curriculum at Hotel Management School, and in partnership with the Tourism and Leisure Academy;
Be creative, analytical, ethical and respectful when undertaking research and pedagogical activities associated with Disruption, Innovation and New Phenomena.

Team

The professorship consists of a Research Group headed by our Professor of Disruption, Innovation and New Phenomena in Hospitality and Tourism Dr. Ian Yeoman.