Strategic Innovation Trends in Small and Medium Industry Clusters for Enhancing Regional Tourism Competitiveness: A Bibliometric Analysis

<ns5:p>Objective This bibliometric study systematically evaluates the multi-dimensional evolution of strategic innovation trends within Small and Medium Industry (SMI) clusters between 2005 and 2025. It synthesizes the structural interplay between internal digitalization capabilities, collaborative networking, and cluster-based regional configurations, mapping how these interconnected strategic factors act as overriding drivers to enhance objective regional tourism competitiveness and long-term economic sustainability. Methods A rigorous bibliometric mapping and systematic review were performed using custom-built PRISMA 2020 and PICOC frameworks across the Scopus and Web of Science global databases. From an initial identification pool of 3,295 records, a strict screening process based on clear inclusion criteria (peer-reviewed final journal articles, English language, and open-access/hybrid gold status) was executed. Exactly 195 high-quality studies were selected for final visual network analysis and qualitative thematic synthesis using VOSviewer and RStudio Biblioshiny. Results The analysis reveals that the literature has experienced a substantial expansion, boasting a 15.86% compound annual growth rate heavily driven by intensive global research collaboration. Structural co-authorship and citation mapping identify key foundational intellectual hubs such as Zhang J., Buhalis D., and Universitas Brawijaya deeply anchoring the discipline. Bibliographic coupling and keyword co-occurrence matrix networks uncover a massive thematic transformation: consumer engagement and local economic positioning are easily distorted without digital capacity building. At the structural level, a clear paradigm shift shows that traditional product/managerial innovations are now overridden by smart tourism deployment, green circular economy ecosystems, and cross-sectoral co-creation models. Conclusion Regional tourism optimization operates within a complex socio-ecological matrix where localized industrial capabilities continuously negotiate with macro-level digital and market disruptions. While separate clusters of innovation exist, there is a critical need for integrated regional public policy frameworks that combine physical cluster infrastructure modifications with tailored digital behavioral support to achieve true long-term competitive advantages and planetary sustainability goals.</ns5:p>