Tourism Higher Education Institutions Integration in the Tourism Industry Innovation: A Quadruple Helix Approach : The Case of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Alexandria University

This study aims at presenting the model and practices needed to build a new entrepreneurial Tourism Higher Education
Institutions culture to improve the process of innovation in the tourism industry depending on the new and highly
recognized model of sustainable innovation the Quadruple Helix Innovation Model which based on four pillars,
Academia, Government, Industry, and local community. The study also aims to explore the level of integration of the
faculty of tourism and hotels Alexandria University in tourism industry innovation and determine the external and
internal factors influencing the integration. Data was collected through a questionnaire presented to all the current staff
members of the faculty of tourism and hotels Alexandria University in the three departments (tourism, hotels and
guidance). Results reveal that the overall practices of the faculty of tourism and hotels Alexandria University in
industry innovation, according to the four areas of practices; Leadership, teaching, research and community services;
are weak. The weakest practices are leading fundraising and sponsorship initiatives to support the industry, establishing
joint Faculty- industry advisory boards. The overall factors supporting the faculty of tourism and hotels Alexandria
university integration in the tourism industry are described as weak. The weakest factor is the virtual and physical
infrastructure of the faculty that does not provide an innovation stimulating environment. The study ends with
recommendation for the faculty of tourism and hotels in Alexandria university best integration in the tourism industry
innovation and for future researches.