Scientific research applied to tourism, collaboration between Federalberghi Toscana and Sant'Anna School kicks off: activated a research grant to develop environmental sustainability projects in Tuscan hospitality, applications due by Monday, Feb. 5
The scientific research project applied to tourism with which Federalberghi Toscana (Confcommercio) and the Sant'Anna School have been awarded funding made available by the Tuscany Region from the European Social Fund is entering its operational phase. The project, worth a total of 60.000 euros thanks to co-financing from Federalberghi Toscana, will be used to activate a research grant, lasting two years, with the aim of boosting green innovation in the Tuscan hospitality sector.
To identify the most suitable assignee, the Sant'Anna School has opened a call for applications for Research Fellowship. There is time until Monday, Feb. 5, to submit an application. Among the requirements for applicants: to be under 36 years of age and have a master's or master's degree in Economics, Economics for Environment and Culture, Business Economics or Management Engineering.
The winner or the winner will have 24 months to carry out the research by identifying actions, best practices and useful technologies to facilitate the digital and ecological transition with a view to creating a prototype of a "smart hotel", according to the philosophy of circular economy and "smart building" that is attentive to consumption and the environment. Each procedure is to be replicable in Tuscan hotel facilities to promote their environmental and economic sustainability.
This initiative expresses a growing sensitivity of the world of research to the problems of tourism, a fundamental sector for Tuscany and Italy, whose future is increasingly played out in the ability to intercept challenges and opportunities of technological innovation," explains the scientific head of the operation, Nicola Bellini, Full Professor at the Interdisciplinary Research Center on Sustainability and Climate of the Sant'Anna School, and international expert in tourism management and sustainable tourism.
It will then be Federalberghi Toscana-Confcommercio that will make the results of the study available to accommodation entrepreneurs who wish to undertake this important innovation process. "We are proud of this initiative, which sees us collaborating with the Sant'Anna School", says Federalberghi Toscana President Daniele Barbetti. "The hospitality sector can make a significant contribution to the green transition, especially in a context like Tuscany with a high density of tourist presences. The green transition can also strengthen the competitiveness of businesses and destinations, both in terms of their attractiveness to the market and the cost reductions that result. The problem is that carrying out this transition requires often complex technologies, which not all hospitality businesses (especially those of medium or small size) are able to apply due to management or economic-financial constraints. This is the origin of our project, which starting from existing international best practices intends to make available to everyone a plan for having a smart hotel."
The call for applications for the Research Fellowship is available HERE (only italian language).
