<![CDATA[Although the helix model plays a central role in fostering inclusive innovation, research on the evolving role of this model in driving community-centric innovation for sustainable ecotourism remains limited. This study aims to fill this gap by synthesizing global empirical evidence to build a holistic understanding of innovation processes mediated by the helix model. A structured systematic review with a comparative thematic synthesis approach was conducted. Following PRISMA procedures, 379 studies were screened, resulting in 26 relevant empirical studies selected from Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Comparative thematic analysis identified the emergence of 24 themes that fundamentally shaped two divergent innovation pathways. Innovation pathways in developed countries tend to be reformative, driven by the complexity of socioinstitutional needs and addressed through participatory collaborative mechanisms. Conversely, innovation pathways in emerging countries are more exploratory, arising from untapped potential and often addressed through top-down mechanisms relying on state or government intervention. These findings challenge the universalist perspective of the helix model and demonstrate that innovation processes are highly dependent on their developmental context. This study proposes a contextual model of community-centric innovation and offers practical implications for stakeholders in designing innovation ecosystems to realize ecotourism practices that are equitable, innovative, and sustainable.]]>
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