Economic ecosystems: comparison with clusters, specifics of functioning in tourism

The article is mainly theoretical in nature, while the theoretical provisions are illustrated by relevant examples from business practice. The aim of the work is to investigate the differences and similarities between clusters and ecosystems operating in tourism. The main provisions of this study in comparison of clusters and business ecosystems are based on the foundation of results obtained at different times by foreign and Russian scientists.The first part of the work is devoted to the study of the theoretical foundations of the definitions of «cluster» and «ecosystem.» It is indicated that the term «ecosystem» is not as defined and studied as a cluster. A comparison and analysis of several classifications of clusters and ecosystems is carried out, clarifications are proposed, and distinctive features of the general order of a cluster and ecosystem are formulated. The second part indicates that business ecosystems can be considered in the plane of different types of activities, the concept of a logistics ecosystem is introduced and its parameters are shown. The comparison of the cluster and the logistics ecosystem presented in the form of a logistics bush (multiproduct mesoecosystem) is specified. The third part sets out a modern view of the ecosystem, pays attention to the digital basis of the interconnections of their components. Four components of the ecosystem (according to G.B. Kleiner) are demonstrated in the refraction of the logistics bush in tourism. The logistics ecosystem in tourism is interpreted as multinodal and heterogeneous, with rare exceptions, since its components control it more than it controls them, which leads to an expansion of the range of services. The scientific novelty of the study is the formulation of the concept of a logistics ecosystem and its parameters, as well as the presentation of a logistics bush in tourism as a logistics ecosystem and its comparison with a cluster.