Institutional and Community Synergies for Integrating Creative Industry with Sustained Tourism Growth: Qualitative Insights from West Java Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract - The creative industry and tourism sectors are recognized as key drivers of regional economic growth, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. The creative industry fosters innovation and knowledge-based value creation, while tourism generates market access, global exposure, and demand for creative products and experiences. When effectively integrated, these sectors create a synergistic ecosystem that enhances regional competitiveness and promotes sustained growth. West Java, with its large population, strong creative industry presence, and diverse tourism potential, offers significant opportunities for such integration. However, synergy between these sectors remains suboptimal due to structural and institutional challenges. This study explores how institutional, and community actors shape creative industry-tourism integration and identifies key enablers and barriers. Using a qualitative case study and the Gioia methodology, data were collected from government officials and creative industry community representatives. The findings reveal that institutional facilitation, community-driven initiatives, and ecosystem readiness are critical for successful integration. However, gaps in market literacy, ecosystem alignment, and access to financing persist. This study refines the meso-level ecosystem perspective by highlighting the interplay between institutional structures, community agency, and ecosystem capabilities. The revised conceptual framework offers theoretical contributions and practical insights to enhance policy coherence, empower creative communities, and foster sustained tourism growth.

Keywords - Creative Industry, Sustained Tourism Growth, Ecosystem Integration, Institutional Synergy, Community-Driven Innovation, West Java