As the intelligent era continues to evolve, a “new breed” of technology-based SMEs has emerged as pioneering forces in cultivating future industries. These entities represent an emerging force within the national innovation system, playing a pivotal role in securing technological and industrial high ground. However, academia has yet to fully grasp the intrinsic characteristics and behavioral patterns of such enterprises, nor has it systematically analyzed their strategic value and operational mechanisms within the national innovation system and future industries from a theoretical perspective. Therefore, this study critically reviews existing research on national innovation systems and technology-based SMEs. It introduces the new concept of “Tech-Pioneer Enterprises” to designate this emerging entity within national innovation system, defining its conceptual scope through dimensions of technological disruption, market leadership, and context exploration. By elucidating their basic characteristics, this study distinguishes them from other technology-based SMEs. Additionally, this study explores the role of tech-pioneer enterprises in driving the transformation of the national innovation system toward the intelligent era, examining their positioning from both functional and structural perspectives. Furthermore, drawing on real-world case examples, it demonstrates how these enterprises adopt phased strategic actions to lead the innovative development of future industries. This study aims to provide theoretical insights and practical implications for fostering future industries with enterprises as the mainstay, advancing innovation-led economic development.