Concluding Considerations and Directions for Future Research

Abstract

The concluding chapter summarizes the most interesting areas of research that emerged from the literature review, highlighting how the conceptualization of networks as multiple systems and the consideration of individuals’ agency as influencing the overall network structure are the most interesting novelties introduced in recent years. The chapter underscores the book’s main contribution to the debate about network organizations, which is twofold: (i) it advances definitions of network success and failure; and (ii) it explores the asymmetry between factors leading to a positive or negative network outcome. Finally, the book also contributes to tourism management literature, proposing an integrated framework with network studies to tackle complex issues of destination governance. It ends by suggesting the most promising avenues for future research.