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

Objective This bibliometric study evaluates the evolution of strategic innovation research within Small and Medium Industry (SMI) clusters to inform strategies for enhancing regional tourism competitiveness and long-term economic sustainability. Rather than merely synthesizing literature, this study maps the structural interplay between internal digitalization capabilities, collaborative networking, and cluster-based regional configurations, offering strategic insights for tourism-led regional growth. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using the Scopus database under the PRISMA framework. Articles were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, yielding a final dataset of 195 peer-reviewed articles published between 2005 and 2025. Bibliometric mapping and network co-occurrence analyses were executed using VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix R-package (Biblioshiny) to identify structural thematic clusters, author collaboration patterns, and temporal research trajectories. Results The thematic mapping reveals a significant shift in research paradigms—transitioning from traditional cluster operations toward smart tourism integration, green innovation, and digital platform capabilities. Five primary thematic clusters emerged: (1) digital transformation in SMI clusters, (2) collaborative governance and regional network integration, (3) sustainable tourism practices, (4) destination competitiveness, and (5) innovation ecosystem configurations. Conclusion The findings demonstrate strong thematic associations between digital adoption, sustainability frameworks, and regional tourism development. To effectively translate these research patterns into competitive advantages, regional policies must integrate cluster infrastructure with digital support frameworks and cross-sectoral governance.