Commercialization of Innovations in Tourism: Weak Development of the Ecosystem in the Innovation Sector of Universities and Problems of Transition from Academic Knowledge to Market Product
Nigar Kazimova 
Abstract. Tourism is one of the dynamically developing sectors of the economy. Innovations play an important role in improving the quality of tourism services and the appreciation of tourists around the world. Universities are considered the main centers where new knowledge is created. However, most of the joint research in universities does not find practical application and is commercialized. In the modern era, the industry is being transformed under the influence of innovative approaches such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, big data, virtual reality and sustainable development. These changes ensure the use of the scientific and research potential of universities. However, many states, including the development of universities, face weak changes in the innovation ecosystem, which makes it difficult to transform academic knowledge into market products. This article examines the activities of universities in the innovation sector, their problems and possible solutions.
Keywords: tourism innovations, university-business work, commercialization, startups, digital tourism, higher education, innovative development