The quadruple and quintuple helix in innovation environments (incubators and science and technology parks)

• Published in: Innovation & Management Review Vol. 18; no. 3; pp. 292 - 307
• Main Authors: Mineiro, Andrea Ap da Costa, Assis de Souza, Thais, Carvalho de Castro, Cleber
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: São Paulo Emerald Publishing Limited 01.01.2021; Emerald Group Publishing Limited; Emerald Publishing
• Subjects: Area planning & development; Business incubators; Civil society; Climate change; Environmental economics; incubators; innovation habitats; Innovations; Knowledge; Laboratories; quadruple helix; quintuple helix; science and technology parks; Sustainable development; Sustainable practices; Science and technology parks; Hélice quádrupla; Parques científicos e tecnológicos; Incubadoras; Ambientes de inovação; Quadruple helix; Innovation habitats; Hélice quíntupla; Quintuple helix; Incubators
• ISSN: 2515-8961; 2515-8961
• DOI: 10.1108/INMR-08-2019-0098

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the literature on the representation of the quadruple and quintuple helix (QQH) in innovation environments such as incubators and science and technology parks (STPs). Design/methodology/approach The authors used the integrative review as a methodological approach and systematized studies regarding the main research objectives; theoretical approaches; methodology and study object; QQH representation, by identifying actor, performance and main results; and additional contributions to the QQH model. Findings As a result, the authors noticed a lack of standardization on the representation of the quadruple helix, but the example of associations and community centers as representatives of the civil society. The quintuple helix does not have an actor that represents the environment, but STPs foster sustainable actions, encourage the generation of green companies and stimulate sustainable practices among established companies. Originality/value Based on changes in the economic and social scenarios, new theoretical approaches emerge to explain the innovation process, such as the QQH. Incubators and STPs are favorable settings for interactions, according to the new models; however, there is a lack of studies addressing this topic in such environments. Hence, this study contributes to understanding the existence and performance of QQH, by showing how these new helices were identified, in addition to advancing the subject in innovation environments such as incubators and STPs.