Dr. Lidija Lalicic wins Dr. Maria-Schaumayer award for female researchers

Dr. Lidija Lalicic of the Department of Tourism and Service management was recently awarded by Dr. Maria-Schaumayer Foundation for her PhD research in the field of innovation management in tourism and the use of ICT.

The Dr. Maria-Schaumayer Foundation recognizes young female researchers for their outstanding research contributions, and seeks to support the future careers of talented females. Dr. Maria-Schaumayer was the first female president of a national bank worldwide, heading the Austrian National Bank from 1990 to 1995. Twice a year her foundation awards several young female researchers across various disciplines; this year’s award ceremony coincided with the 25 year anniversary of its founding.

 ‘’As the field of tourism is rather slow in integrating forms of open innovation as well as seizing opportunities to innovate, there is an exciting research agenda,’’ says Lidija.

In her PhD dissertation, various theories were integrated to enhance an understanding of how we can use social media to innovate in tourism, ranging from branding to user-driven innovation to idea contests to capture users' creativity. Her current research projects are related to topics ranging from collaborative networks with the intent to foster innovation in a destination, the use of big data and social media to understand the tourist experience as well as the analysis of disruptive innovations coming from the sharing economy and its influence on tourism practices.

 ‘’For me it is an honor to receive a Dr. Maria-Schaumayer award not only to be recognized for my work, but also for the fact that tourism research needs more attention and recognition as a highly important field. Furthermore, the recognition of females in research is very important,’’ says Lidija.

 ‘’Female researchers are in minority and such initiatives support shedding light on the great female talents we have in Austria. On top of that, as a chairwoman of the Equal Opportunity Working Party at MODUL University which aims to embrace and foster diversity and equal opportunities, this prize is even more important!’’

Congratulations to Lidija on receiving this award!