Innovation and public policies as factors to promote the development of tourism organizations in Colombia

the tourism sector plays a crucial role in the economic and social development of regions, making it important to analyze it from various perspectives. One such perspective is the dynamics underlying organizational innovation within the sector, as influenced by state actions and their impact on outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this research is to examine the relationship between public policies and innovation in tourism companies, recognizing it as a fundamental factor for promoting actions that enhance organizational competitiveness. This correlational study focused on analyzing data obtained from a survey administered to 100 small and medium-sized tourism enterprises in a specific region of Colombia between 2020 and 2021. The collected data were analyzed using a second-generation multivariate method called partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS software. The findings of this study confirmed the existence of a significant relationship between the management of public policies, specifically observed through transparency, and the level of innovation within the analyzed organizations. Moreover, the structural model exhibited a satisfactory fit, and all four hypotheses formulated for the transparency construct and its relationship with innovation were supported. Therefore, by enhancing governance practices such as good governance and anti-corruption measures, organizations can foster a culture of innovation that permeates throughout their operations.